Summary of Technical Support for Seawolf Shock Test: Potential Impact on Marine-Mammal Hearing.
Abstract
This report documents a study performed in support of the SSN 21 (Seawolf) shock-test program. The purpose was twofold: (1) to develop a more efficient method for calculating potential acoustic damage to marine-mammal herring from underwater explosions, and (2) to perform calculations specifically for use in preparing the Seawolf environmental impact statement. The most meaningful criterion for determining acoustic safe ranges would be one based on measurements of temporary threshold shift (TTS) in sea mammals exposed to underwater detonations. Because there are no existing data applicable to definition of such a criterion, an interim acoustic-energy limit, based on human in-air data, was developed for use in predicting the acoustic impact on the Seawolf detonations. Evidence indicates that this limit is very conservative. Therefore, until reliable measurements have been made of TTS that is directly attributable to exposure of marine mammals to sound produced by underwater explosions, this interim criterion should be used only for defining ranges for 'acoustic discomfort' or annoyance.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 15, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA312464
Entities
People
- Delbert L. Lehto
- Jean A. Goertner
Organizations
- Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division