scholarly journals Variability in Anthropogenic Underwater Noise Due to Bathymetry and Sound Speed Characteristics

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 1047
Author(s):  
Svein Vagle ◽  
Rianna E. Burnham ◽  
Caitlin O’Neill ◽  
Harald Yurk

Oceanic acoustic environments are dynamic, shaped by the spatiotemporal variability in transmission losses and sound propagation pathways of natural and human-derived noise sources. Here we used recordings of an experimental noise source combined with transmission loss modeling to investigate changes in the received levels of vessel noise over space and time as a result of natural water column variability. Recordings were made in the Juan de Fuca Strait, on the west coast of Vancouver Island, a biologically productive coastal region that hosts several cetacean species. Significant variability in noise levels was observed due to changing water masses, tied to seasonal temperature variation and, on a finer scale, tidal movements. Comparisons of interpreted received noise levels through the water column indicated that vessel noise recorded by bottom-stationed monitoring devices might not accurately represent those received by whales in near-surface waters. Vertical and temporal differences of 3–5 dB were commonly observed in both the recorded and modeled data. This has implications in estimating the success of noise mitigation measures, and our understanding of the change in sound fields experienced by target species for conservation.

Noise Mapping ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Konstantinos Vogiatzis ◽  
Nicolas Remy

Abstract In the framework of the European Directive 2002/49/EC, from 2012 to 2016, several cities in Greece have completed noise strategic maps with noise action plans that usually define the main strategies to reduce the noise residents are exposed to and introduce and preserve “quiet zones”. Several medium urban agglomerations in Greece (Volos, Larissa, Chania, Heraklion, Corfu, Agrinio, Thessaloniki) have been chosen to also analyse the sound qualities of the soundscapes of specific urban neighbourhoods in order to generate recommendations for the urban design of the soundscapes of these agglomerations in a manner that complements conventional noise mitigation measures. The general principle of this approach is to relate quantitative data (e.g., from measurements, acoustic simulations, urban forms, topography, and traffic model) with qualitative data (e.g., from type of sources, interviews, reports on environmental noise perception) by creating quantitative and qualitative maps. The aim of this study is to propose possible action tools to the relevant authorities aiming at diminishing noise levels in affected areas and also to provide solutions towards a sustainable sound environment both in space and time. This paper presents the main current methodology, selected important results proposed for the urban agglomerations of a typical Southeast Mediterranean country such as Greece.


Author(s):  
Cornelius Ogbodo Anayo Agbo

Education is the cradle of development and must be properly guarded. Higher institutions are citadels of learning engaging in high intellectual discourse that require quiet ambience. The high noise level in Nigeria’s institutions of higher learning has become a growing concern. This paper reviewed the studies done concerning noise pollution vis-à-vis the noise sources, its effects and abatement measures put in place if any. Modular mini electric generators, road traffics and religious organization’s activities were found culpable to the majority of noises produced both inside the institutions and their neighbourhoods. More than 90% of the institutions' community are exposed to disturbing noise levels. The review showed that most of the institutions’ measured noise levels range between 50 dB(A) and 110 dB(A). Also, the majority of the exposed persons feels helpless while hoping to habituate with the conditions. There is a need, therefore, for the school management to collaborate with the government to ensure that sustainable noise mitigation measures are put in place in the institutions to avert its negatives consequences on students’ performance and staff output.


2021 ◽  
pp. 107754632110011
Author(s):  
Mohammad Javad Khodaei ◽  
Amin Mehrvarz ◽  
Reza Ghaffarivardavagh ◽  
Nader Jalili

In this article, we have first presented a metasurface design methodology by coupling the acoustic cavity to the coiled channel. The geometrical design parameters in this structure are subsequently studied both analytically and numerically to identify a road map for silencer design. Next, upon tuning the design parameters, we have introduced an air-permeable noise barrier capable of sound silencing in the ultrawide band of the frequency. It is has been shown that the presented metasurface can achieve +10 dB sound transmission loss from 170 Hz to 1330 Hz (≈3 octaves). Furthermore, we have numerically studied the ventilation and heat transfer performance of the designed metasurface. Enabling noise mitigation by leveraging the proposed metasurface opens up new possibilities ranging from residential and office noise reduction to enabling ultralow noise fan, propellers, and machinery.


Author(s):  
M. P. Norton ◽  
A. Pruiti

Abstract This paper addresses the issue of quantifying the internal noise levels/wall pressure fluctuations in industrial gas pipelines. This quantification of internal noise levels/wall pressure fluctuations allows for external noise radiation from pipelines to be specified in absolute levels via appropriate noise prediction models. Semi-empirical prediction models based upon (i) estimated vibration levels and radiation ratios, (ii) semi-empirical transmission loss models, and (iii) statistical energy analysis models have already been reported on by Norton and Pruiti 1,3 and are not reported on here.


Sensors ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Temple Lee ◽  
Michael Buban ◽  
Edward Dumas ◽  
C. Baker

Rotary-wing small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) are increasingly being used for sampling thermodynamic and chemical properties of the Earth’s atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) because of their ability to measure at high spatial and temporal resolutions. Therefore, they have the potential to be used for long-term quasi-continuous monitoring of the ABL, which is critical for improving ABL parameterizations and improving numerical weather prediction (NWP) models through data assimilation. Before rotary-wing aircraft can be used for these purposes, however, their performance and the sensors used therein must be adequately characterized. In the present study, we describe recent calibration and validation procedures for thermodynamic sensors used on two rotary-wing aircraft: A DJI S-1000 and MD4-1000. These evaluations indicated a high level of confidence in the on-board measurements. We then used these measurements to characterize the spatiotemporal variability of near-surface (up to 300-m AGL) temperature and moisture fields as a component of two recent field campaigns: The Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes Experiment in the Southeast U.S. (VORTEX-SE) in Alabama, and the Land Atmosphere Feedback Experiment (LAFE) in northern Oklahoma.


2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Bigdeli ◽  
B. Loose ◽  
S. T. Cole

Abstract. In ice-covered regions it can be challenging to determine air-sea exchange – for heat and momentum, but also for gases like carbon dioxide and methane. The harsh environment and relative data scarcity make it difficult to characterize even the physical properties of the ocean surface. Here, we seek a mechanistic interpretation for the rate of air-sea gas exchange (k) derived from radon-deficits. These require an estimate of the water column history extending 30 days prior to sampling. We used coarse resolution (36 km) regional configuration of the MITgcm with fine near surface vertical spacing (2 m) to evaluate the capability of the model to reproduce conditions prior to sampling. The model is used to estimate sea-ice velocity, concentration and mixed-layer depth experienced by the water column. We then compared the model results to existing field data including satellite, moorings and Ice-tethered profilers. We found that model-derived sea-ice coverage is 88 to 98 % accurate averaged over Beaufort Gyre, sea-ice velocities have 78 % correlation which resulted in 2 km/day error in 30 day trajectory of sea-ice. The model demonstrated the capacity to capture the broad trends in the mixed layer although with a bias and model water velocities showed only 29 % correlation with actual data. Overall, we find the course resolution model to be an inadequate surrogate for sparse data, however the simulation results are a slight improvement over several of the simplifying assumptions that are often made when surface ocean geochemistry, including the use of a constant mixed layer depth and a velocity profile that is purely wind-driven.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei-Jen Huang ◽  
Ming-Ta Lee ◽  
Kuei-Chen Huang ◽  
Kai-Jung Kao ◽  
Ming-An Lee ◽  
...  

AbstractThe release of anthropogenic radiocesium to the North Pacific Ocean (NPO) has occurred in the past 60 years. Factors controlling 137Cs (half-life, 30.2 year) and 134Cs (half-life, 2.06 year) activity concentrations in the Kuroshio east of Taiwan and the Taiwan Strait (latitude 20° N–27° N, longitude 116° E–123° E) remain unclear. This study collected seawater samples throughout this region and analyzed 134Cs and 137Cs activity concentrations between 2018 and 2019. A principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to analyze the controlling factors of radiocesium. Results of all 134Cs activity concentrations were below the detection limit (0.5 Bq m−3). Analyses of water column 137Cs profiles revealed a primary concentration peak (2.1–2.2 Bq m−3) at a depth range of 200–400 m (potential density σθ: 25.3 to 26.1 kg m−3). The PCA result suggests that this primary peak was related to density layers in the water column. A secondary 137Cs peak (1.90 Bq m−3) was observed in the near-surface waters (σθ = 18.8 to 21.4 kg m−3) and was possibly related to upwelling and river-to-sea mixing on the shelf. In the Taiwan Strait, 137Cs activity concentrations in the near-surface waters were higher in the summer than in the winter. We suggest that upwelling facilitates the vertical transport of 137Cs at the shelf break of the western NPO.


2012 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 155-167 ◽  
Author(s):  
Momir Prascevic ◽  
Dragan Cvetkovic ◽  
Darko Mihajlov

It is important to know the sound insulation of partitions in order to be able to compare different constructions, calculate acoustic comfort in apartments or noise levels from outdoor sources such as road traffic, and find engineer optimum solutions to noise problems. The use of lightweight partitions as party walls between dwellings has become common because sound insulation requirements can be achieved with low overall surface weights. However, they need greater skill to design and construct, because the overall design is much more complex. It is also more difficult to predict and measure of sound transmission loss of lightweight partitions. There are various methods for predicting and measuring sound insulation of partitions and some of them will be described in this paper. Also, this paper presents a comparison of experimental results of the sound insulation of lightweight partitions with results obtained using different theoretical models for single homogenous panels and double panels with and without acoustic absorption in the cavity between the panels.


2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (17) ◽  
pp. 12933-12952 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mengyao Liu ◽  
Jintai Lin ◽  
Yuchen Wang ◽  
Yang Sun ◽  
Bo Zheng ◽  
...  

Abstract. Eastern China (27–41∘ N, 110–123∘ E) is heavily polluted by nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter below 2.5 µm (PM2.5), and other air pollutants. These pollutants vary on a variety of temporal and spatial scales, with many temporal scales that are nonperiodic and nonstationary, challenging proper quantitative characterization and visualization. This study uses a newly compiled EOF–EEMD analysis visualization package to evaluate the spatiotemporal variability of ground-level NO2, PM2.5, and their associations with meteorological processes over Eastern China in fall–winter 2013. Applying the package to observed hourly pollutant data reveals a primary spatial pattern representing Eastern China synchronous variation in time, which is dominated by diurnal variability with a much weaker day-to-day signal. A secondary spatial mode, representing north–south opposing changes in time with no constant period, is characterized by wind-related dilution or a buildup of pollutants from one day to another. We further evaluate simulations of nested GEOS-Chem v9-02 and WRF/CMAQ v5.0.1 in capturing the spatiotemporal variability of pollutants. GEOS-Chem underestimates NO2 by about 17 µg m−3 and PM2.5 by 35 µg m−3 on average over fall–winter 2013. It reproduces the diurnal variability for both pollutants. For the day-to-day variation, GEOS-Chem reproduces the observed north–south contrasting mode for both pollutants but not the Eastern China synchronous mode (especially for NO2). The model errors are due to a first model layer too thick (about 130 m) to capture the near-surface vertical gradient, deficiencies in the nighttime nitrogen chemistry in the first layer, and missing secondary organic aerosols and anthropogenic dust. CMAQ overestimates the diurnal cycle of pollutants due to too-weak boundary layer mixing, especially in the nighttime, and overestimates NO2 by about 30 µg m−3 and PM2.5 by 60 µg m−3. For the day-to-day variability, CMAQ reproduces the observed Eastern China synchronous mode but not the north–south opposing mode of NO2. Both models capture the day-to-day variability of PM2.5 better than that of NO2. These results shed light on model improvement. The EOF–EEMD package is freely available for noncommercial uses.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pamela J Harvey ◽  
Stefan W Grab

Abstract Although global and Northern Hemisphere (NH) temperature responses to volcanic forcing have been extensively investigated, knowledge of such responses over Southern Hemisphere (SH) continental regions is still limited. Here we use an ensemble of CMIP5 models to explore SH temperature responses to four major volcanic eruptions: Krakatau (1883), Santa Maria (1902), Agung (1963) and Pinatubo (1991). Focus is on near-surface temperature responses over southern continental landmasses including southern South America (SSA), southern Africa (SAF) and Australia and their seasonal differences. Findings indicate that for all continents, temperature responses were strongest and lasted longest following the Krakatau eruption. Responses in Australia had the shortest lag time, strongest maximum seasonal response, as well as the most significant monthly anomalies. In contrast, SSA records the longest lag time, weakest maximum seasonal temperature response, and lowest number of monthly negative anomalies following these eruptions. In most cases, the strongest single-season response occurred in austral autumn or winter, and the weakest in summer or spring. We tentatively propose that cooler temperature responses are likely caused, at least in part, by the intensification of the westerlies and associated mid-latitude cyclones and anti-cyclones.


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