Characterization of Ambient Noise Recorded in the Norwegian Sea

Abstract

This thesis characterizes mid-frequency (19 kHz) ambient noise collected with an acoustic array over a two-week period in the Norwegian Sea. Noise characterization is an important prerequisite for many applications, including department of defense applications, environmental and biological research. The basic methodology consists of calibrating single hydrophone data for power spectral density (PSD) in dB re (Mu)1Pa^2/Hz. We present omni-directional ambient noise statistics over time, including percentiles and standard deviation for a variety of temporal averages, ranging from 1 to 60 min. These results compare well to historic observations. Wenz suggests spectrum level of approximately 45 (dB re 1 (Mu)Pa^2/Hz) for a sea state 2, while the result from this thesis finds spectrum level of approximately 43 (dB re 1 (Mu)Pa2/Hz). Furthermore, results are compared to a wind-based ambient noise model. The model prediction tracks with the data presented relatively well with a slight offset. The slight offset is further explored and gives details of the prevailing sea state. As predicted, the model slightly overestimates the PSD level of the data at sea state 2. This misfit is explored for different sea states and wind speeds.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 2023
Accession Number
AD1212918

Entities

People

  • Christopher M. Griggs

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Sensors
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acoustic Arrays
  • Acoustics
  • Ambient Noise
  • Data Acquisition
  • Databases
  • Detectors
  • Frequency Bands
  • Identification Systems
  • Marine Biology
  • Medium Frequency
  • Oceanography
  • Oceans
  • Physics Laboratories
  • Sound Pressure
  • Underwater Acoustics
  • United States
  • United States Naval Academy

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Acoustical Oceanography.
  • Acoustics.
  • Systems Analysis and Design