Three-dimensional effects on sound propagation and matched-field processor performance

The most recent 2-D split-step Padé parabolic-equation model was modified to include narrow-angle azimuthal coupling. This model was developed and applied to the Santa Barbara channel to assess the effect of 3-D propagation on the performance of a matched-field processor. These results, plus those from the Shallow Water Acoustic Modeling (SWAM) workshop's 3-D wedge and the Gaussian canyon cases, will demonstrate the importance of azimuthal coupling to sound propagation in littoral regions and its effect on the performance of a matched-field processor. Special emphasis is given to model limitations and suitable selection of model parameters that could be automated to achieve accurate predictions during production runs.