  Problem of sound propagation in the ocean is considered. A novel approach of
K. Hegewisch and S. Tomsovic for statistical modelling of acoustic wavefields
in the random ocean is examined. The approach is based on construction of a
wavefield propagator by means of random matrix theory. It is shown that this
approach can be generalized onto acoustic waveguides with adiabatic
longitudinal variations. Efficient generalization is obtained by means of
stepwise approximation of the propagator. Accuracy of the generalized approach
is confirmed numerically for a model of an underwater sound channel crossing a
cold synoptic eddy. It is found that the eddy leads to substantial suppression
of sound scattering.
