Hydroacoustic Travel Time Variations as a Proxy for Passive Deep-Ocean
Thermometry
Abstract
We report on the extraction of deep ocean travel time variations from
time-lapse cross-correlations between a hydrophone station and a
three-component broadband seismometer. The signals we cross-correlate in
this study result from repeated activity by the Monowai seamount, one of
the most active submarine volcanoes of the Tonga-Kermadec ridge. In
particular, we introduce a specific workflow to exploit repetitive
hydroacoustic underwater source activity, which we detail to such extent
that it serves as an example (or “cookbook”). For this reason, we have
made the source code publicly available. The workflow proposed in this
study (i) overcomes differences in instrument sensitivity and sample
rates, (ii) involves the selection of eligible cross-correlations based
on a source activity criterium as well as slowness analysis, and (iii)
extracts the travel time variations in distinct frequency bands. In our
case, the two frequency bands are 3-6 Hz and 6-12 Hz. We find that the
estimated travel time variations in both frequency bands consist of a
complex periodic pattern superimposed on a distinct long-term linear
trend. This long-term linear trend is decreasing, which we attribute to
increasing water temperatures along the propagation path of the
hydroacoustic signals.