Just Accepted

This article has been peer reviewed and accepted for publication. It is in production and has not been edited, so may differ from the final published form.

Mapping Knowledge Structure and Research Frontiers of Underwater Acoustic Tomography: A Scientometric Study

Masoud Bahreinimotlagh , Reza Roozbahani, Moh​ammad Amin Fayz Chakab, Mohamad Basel Al Sawaf, Mortaza Eftekari, Seyyed Ahmad Sajjadi

Abstract

Context. Underwater Acoustic Tomography (UAT) is a powerful tool for monitoring oceans, seas, and inland waters. Aims: This study presents a scientometric analysis of UAT and examines future research trends. Methods: A comprehensive analysis of 449 Scopus-indexed publications across 135 journals from 1979 to 2023 was conducted to provide an in-depth examination of UAT. Results: More than 760 researchers from 18 countries have contributed to UAT research, resulting in approximately 40 distinct applications (e.g., four-dimensional (3D + time) measurement of sound speed, temperature, and flow velocity, as well as the localization of autonomous underwater vehicles). The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America accounts for nearly 30% of these publications. Four major organizations have provided around 80% of the funding for the UAT research: the U.S. Office of Naval Research (31%), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (25%), the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (13%), and the Russian Foundation for Basic Research (11%). Conclusions: Despite its unique capabilities, UAT technique still faces significant challenges to widespread adoption. Implications: Overcoming obstacles such as mass production, the development of high-frequency systems (exceeding 60 kHz) for laboratory-scale experiments, and the creation of user-friendly software is essential for advancing UAT technology.

MF24007  Accepted 03 December 2024

© CSIRO 2024