Effects of Sound on the Marine Environment
Abstract
The overall objective of this research is to develop the best possible modeling tools for estimating the impact of sound on marine life. The goal is to provide state-of-the-art, open source codes to model sound sources, sound propagation and animal behavior. We will also assemble open source environmental databases for quantities such as seabed properties, bathymetry and ocean sound speed. Together, these tools will provide the best estimate of the impact of various sonar systems on the marine environment. These tools are bundled with a simple user interface in the ESME Workbench and are intended to be a type of gold standard for estimating impact. Currently, Navy environmental impact statements are prepared at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) and by several government contractors. The software and databases being used are often either classified or proprietary. Starting in 2007, ONR put together a team consisting Boston University (David Mountain), Biomimetica (Dorian Houser) and HLS Research (M. Siderius and M. Porter) to build the ESME Workbench to make the needed calculations for assessing environmental impact without using classified or proprietary components. In 2008 there were two main areas of research at HLS, 1) Quantifying different methods for modeling sonar impact. 2) Determining, through modeling, if strong sound focusing events can occur from surface reflections under specific circumstances (i.e., glints from the surface).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA505198
Entities
People
- Martin Siderius
- Michael Porter
Organizations
- Portland State University