The Kuroshio Extension front (KEF) considerably influences the underwater acoustic environment; however, a knowledge gap persists regarding the acoustic predictions under the ocean front environment. This study utilized the high-resolution ocean reanalysis data (JCOPE2M, 1993–2022) to assess the impact of the KEF on the underwater acoustic environment. Oceanographic factors were extracted from the database using the Douglas-Peucker algorithm, and acoustic propagation characteristics were obtained using the Bellhop raytracing model. This study employed a backpropagation neural network to predict the acoustic propagation affected by the KEF. The depth of the acoustic channel axis and the vertical gradient of the transition layer of sound speed were identified as the fundamental factors influencing the first area of convergence, with correlations between the former and the distance of the first convergence zone ranging from 0.52 to 0.82, and that for the latter ranging from −0.42 to −0.7. The proposed method demonstrated efficacy in forecasting first convergence zone distances, predicting distances with less than 3 km error in >90% of cases and less than 1 km error in 68.61% of cases. Thus, this study provides a valuable predictive tool for studying underwater acoustic propagation in ocean front environments and informs further research.

Finding effective ways to efficiently drive roadways at depths over 1 km has become a hotspot research issue in the field of mining engineering. In this study, based on the local geological conditions in the Xinwen Mining Area (XMA) of China, in-situ stress measurements were conducted in 15 representative deep roadways, which revealed the overall tectonic stress field pattern, with the domination of the horizontal principal stresses. The latter values reached as high as 42.19 MPa, posing a significant challenge to the drivage work. Given this, a comprehensive set of innovative techniques for efficiently driving roadways at depths over 1 km was developed, including (i) controlled blasting with bidirectional energy focusing for directional fracturing, (ii) controlled blasting with multidirectional energy distribution for efficient rock fragmentation, (iii) wedge-cylinder duplex cuts centered on double empty holes, and (iv) high-strength supports for deep roadways. The proposed set of techniques was successfully implemented in the –1010 west rock roadway (WRR) drivage at the Huafeng Coal Mine (HCM). The improved drivage efficiency was characterized by the average and maximum monthly advances of 125 and 151 m, respectively. The roadway cross-sectional shape accuracy was also significantly improved, with the overbreak and underbreak zones being less than 50 mm. The deformation in the surrounding rock of roadway (SRR) was adequately controlled, thus avoiding repeated maintenance and repair. The relevant research results can provide technical guidance for efficient drivage of roadways at depths over 1 km in other mining areas in China and worldwide.