Sonar Which Penetrates Bubble Clouds

Man-made active sonar does not operate well in bubbly water. However dolphins and porpoises not only function effectively in shallow coastal waters, but also at times generate large bubble fields to assist with catching prey. Possible physics solutions to target detection in bubbly water are proposed, and the validities of such proposed acoustical solutions are explored through theory, simulation and experimentation. Whether the solutions are exploited by cetaceans is uncertain. However the efficacy of the new methodology in test tanks, and the implications for man-made sonar, are demonstrated.