Acoustic and Environmental Observation Network in the NW Atlantic (AEON)
Abstract
"The establishment of the Acoustic and Environmental Observation Network in the NW Atlantic (AEON) in the Gulf of Maine will complement existing oceanographic monitoring infrastructure allowing studies to be performed that may reveal significant connections between these measurements and the overall environment. The network will provide simultaneous, long-term monitoring of soundscapes and multiple acoustically relevant parameters of importance to the Navy, such as marine mammal behavior and prey concentration, at key locations where the effects of changes in the Labrador and Gulf Stream currents are projected to impact the Gulf of Maine. The proposed coordinated, interdisciplinary observation network will provide data to address the question of how acoustic parameters can be combined with large-scale and long-term oceanographic measurements to provide the most comprehensive understanding of the impact of ocean dynamics and processes on ambient sound. Specific goals of the proposed project are to: 1) establish an ocean observation network that provides acoustic monitoring and modeling of the underwater soundscape at locations across the Gulf of Maine; 2) assess the spatial and temporal behavior of the soundscape and biological scatterers, including their expected variation and correlation with distance from the observation points; 3) assess the impact of warm core rings on sound propagation and biological productivity in the Gulf of Maine; and 4) assess Gulf of Maine sound propagation impacts due to variations in upper ocean stratification and biological productivity. Results of this study will provide insights that will aid the Navy in appropriately responding to and proactively predicting how long-term environmental changes will impact operations."
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- May 08, 2020
- Source ID
- N000142012312
Entities
People
- Jennifer Miksis-Olds
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University System of New Hampshire