What effect does clay have on sound wave reflection compared to other bottom types?

Clay has unique acoustic properties that affect how sound waves behave when they encounter different bottom types. When sound waves strike a clay bottom, they tend to reflect poorly compared to more rigid and less absorptive sediments, such as sand or gravel. This is primarily due to the soft and cohesive nature of clay, which absorbs more acoustic energy. As a result, less energy is reflected back into the water column, leading to a situation where clay bottoms provide the worst reflection among different seabed materials. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for accurate acoustic modeling and data interpretation in oceanographic studies.