The Intensity, Directionality, and Statistics of Underwater Noise From Melting Icebergs
Abstract
Freshwater fluxes from melting icebergs and glaciers are important contributors to both sea level rise and anomalies of seawater salinity in polar regions. However, the hazards encountered close to icebergs and glaciers make it difficult to quantify their melt rates directly, motivating the development of cryoacoustics as a remote sensing technique. Recent studies have shown a qualitative link between ice melting and the accompanying underwater noise, but the properties of this signal remain poorly understood. Here we examine the intensity, directionality, and temporal statistics of the underwater noise radiated by melting icebergs in Hornsund Fjord, Svalbard, using a three‐element acoustic array. We present the first estimate of noise energy per unit area associated with iceberg melt and demonstrate its qualitative dependence on exposure to surface current. Finally, we show that the analysis of noise directionality and statistics makes it possible to distinguish iceberg melt from the glacier terminus melt.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- May 09, 2018
- Source ID
- 10.1029/2018gl077632
Entities
People
- Grant B Deane
- Mateusz Moskalik
- Oskar Glowacki
Organizations
- Ministry of Science and Higher Education
- National Science Centre Poland
- Office of Naval Research
- University of California, San Diego