Assessment of Vocal Adaptations for Noise Compensation in Marine Mammals
Abstract
Marine mammals use sound for communication and navigation in the ocean. Studies of noise compensation mechanisms used by marine mammals can provide a starting point for research to uncover new techniques of improving signal transmission in a noisy marine environment. These noise compensation mechanisms can be used to improve Navy system designs for underwater detection, communication, and navigation. Understanding how marine mammals compensate for noise can also be used to help predict and reduce impacts of man-made noise. A comprehensive review of documented vocal responses to noise by animals was used to develop testable hypotheses of general vocal responses to particular noise types. These hypotheses were then tested through analysis of acoustic data collected from North Atlantic right whales (E. glacialis). The results allowed us to assess the general vocal compensation mechanisms that marine mammals employ to cope with noise in a shallow water coastal environment and how these function in the presence of man-made noise sources of different types.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA568039
Entities
People
- Susan E. Parks
Organizations
- Pennsylvania State University