What is the minimum depth excess required for reliable CZ?

Reliable Continuous Monitoring of underwater conditions, particularly in the context of acoustic data collection, necessitates a sufficient minimum depth excess to ensure that the measurements are accurate and representative of the environment being studied. The recommended depth excess is set at 300 fathoms to provide a buffer against potential interference from shallow water effects, which can distort acoustic signals. This depth allows for the minimization of surface-related disturbances and ensures that the sound propagation characteristics in the deeper water layer are properly captured without the complexities introduced by variability in the upper layers of the ocean.

Depths shallower than this may lead to issues such as refraction, scattering, and other phenomena that could complicate the interpretation of acoustic data. Therefore, setting the minimum requirement at 300 fathoms reflects a careful consideration of these factors to achieve reliable results in oceanographic studies and acoustic monitoring, ensuring that the data collected can be trusted for assessment and analysis.