Decoding the hum of submarine volcanic eruptions – January 16, 2020

Earthquakes and other geologic events produce acoustic signals that can be measured and monitored on land and underwater. Seismic energy from submarine earthquakes is converted into acoustic energy at the seafloor-water boundary.  A Tertiary wave (or T-wave) is an acoustic signal associated with earthquakes. T-waves propagate efficiently in the ocean compared to seismic waves through [...]

Decoding the hum of submarine volcanic eruptions – January 16, 20202025-05-09T09:36:27-05:00

Killer Whales and Vessel Noise – May 10, 2019

Measuring and mitigating the potential impacts of vessel noise on endangered killer whales Underwater sound associated with commercial vessel traffic is one, recognized threat to the southern resident population of killer whales. Image credit: NOAA, NWFSC. Southern resident killer whales (SRKW) are an endangered marine mammal population found off the Pacific coasts of [...]

Killer Whales and Vessel Noise – May 10, 20192025-05-09T09:37:32-05:00

Seismic Airguns – December 20, 2018

An engineer prepares to deploy a single airgun. The airgun will be suspended about 8 m below the water surface from the white float seen at the bottom of the image. Image courtesy of the National Science Foundation. An airgun is a tool used to examine layers of the seafloor and study the Earth’s [...]

Seismic Airguns – December 20, 20182025-05-09T09:40:38-05:00

Measuring Methane Bubble Plumes – October 1, 2018

Using Underwater Acoustics to Detect and Measure Global Ocean Methane Flux Close up imagery of methane hydrate. Scientists study methane hydrates as a potential natural gas source and for its potential role in releasing methane to the atmosphere during climate change events. Image courtesy of the NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research. [...]

Measuring Methane Bubble Plumes – October 1, 20182025-05-09T09:41:08-05:00

Listening to Monterey Bay – May 30, 2018

Hydrophone Provides Continuous, Live Stream of Deep Sea Sounds from Monterey Bay Location of the MARS hydrophone, on the Smooth Ridge, at the edge of Monterey Canyon, approximately 30 km (18 mi) from shore. Image credit: MBARI. The Monterey Accelerated Research System (MARS) cabled observatory, the first cabled oceanographic observatory on the U.S. [...]

Listening to Monterey Bay – May 30, 20182025-05-09T09:48:39-05:00

Passive Acoustic Monitoring Critical to Vaquita Conservation Efforts – October 26, 2017

An international team of experts have partnered on a “bold” conservation plan (VaquitaCPR; https://www.vaquitacpr.org) to prevent the most endangered marine mammal in the world, the vaquita porpoise (Phocoena sinus), from going extinct. The vaquita is only found in the upper portion of Mexico’s Gulf of California. Its population was estimated at 567 individuals in 1997, [...]

Passive Acoustic Monitoring Critical to Vaquita Conservation Efforts – October 26, 20172025-05-09T09:49:42-05:00

Deep Ocean Sounds – July 11, 2017

Hot Topic Scientists Measure Ambient Noise Levels in One of the Deepest Parts of the Global Ocean The ocean is filled with sound. Sound levels in the ocean differ from location to location and change with time. Some sounds are present more or less everywhere in the ocean all of the time. Some sounds, [...]

Deep Ocean Sounds – July 11, 20172025-05-09T09:50:26-05:00

Tracking Great White Sharks – July 9, 2017

Acoustic Tracking Technologies Shed Light on the Feeding Behavior of Great White Sharks (left) Specially modified REMUS (remote environmental monitoring unit) autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) used to locate, follow, and record the behavior, habitat use, and feeding ecology of great white sharks off the coast of Mexico. Note the bite marks, scrapes, and scars [...]

Tracking Great White Sharks – July 9, 20172025-05-09T09:51:24-05:00

Monitoring Wind Farm Construction – June 25, 2017

Monitoring the Construction of the First U.S. Offshore Wind Farm for Potential Noise Impacts on Marine Life Scientists deploy a hydrophone array to monitor the noise from construction of wind turbines of the coast of Block Island, Rhode Island. Photo credit: Jim Miller. Wind energy is increasingly being used as an alternative energy source. Winds [...]

Monitoring Wind Farm Construction – June 25, 20172025-05-09T09:52:44-05:00

Hearing Sensitivity – June 15, 2017

False killer whales can lower their hearing sensitivity A recent paper by Paul Nachtigall and Alexander Supin describes how a false killer whale is able to lower its hearing sensitivity before a loud sound when given a warning beforehand. Because many marine animals depend on their hearing for feeding and communication, loud sounds in the environment can have an impact [...]

Hearing Sensitivity – June 15, 20172025-05-09T09:53:51-05:00
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