Phenomenon of Leonid Maximovich Brekhovskikh as a man and a scientist

Leonid Maximovich Brekhovskikh made phenomenal contributions in acoustics: discovery of the underwater sound channel, development of the fundamental theory of wave propagation in layered media, and working out a tangent plane approximation in the wave scattering theory. Brekhovskikh contributed greatly to the organization of research teams and the dissemination of information on acoustics and oceanography through his popular books and lecturing. He also made a major breakthrough as a public figure and a statesman. He became the first Director of the Acoustics Institute at the age of 36. He served as a secretary of the Russian Academy of Sciences Branch involved in oceanography, geography, and atmospheric physics research. Brekhovskikh’s achievements in science and science leadership were marked by multiple highest USSR awards and many international awards. He became an Honorary Fellow of the Acoustical Society of America and the Russian Acoustical Society. He received the Lord Raleigh Medal for the discovery that preserved its urgency for 30 years. Brekhovskikh’s phenomenon is regarded here from the viewpoint of his personality as well as specific circumstances of his family and social life.