Range and accuracy of small array configurations used for localizing underwater vocalizations

The deployment of small hydrophone arrays in reverberant conditions was examined to determine the best configuration for range and accuracy for localizing harp seal underwater vocalizations. A sound source was projected from different locations within and outside of different array configurations. The error between the actual and calculated locations of the sound source was examined.;The size of the array and depth of the receivers were not significant sources of error. Four receivers significantly reduced location error compared to three receivers. As the distance between the signal and the array increased, the location error increased. A large amount of variability was observed with all sound trials. When using arrays in a reverberant condition, the location accuracy decreases significantly once the sound source is located outside of the array. Inaccurate time of arrival differences were the main source of location error when localizing signals in a reverberant environment.