Sounding the Depths: Understanding Ocean Acoustics

Resources

Ocean Acoustics

Ocean acoustics is the study of sound in the marine environment – a mixture of physical noise, biological noise, geological noise, and anthropogenic (human-caused) noise. By studying sound in the ocean, scientists advance our understanding of the ocean, its inhabitants, natural processes, and how humans have influenced the ocean system. Scientists can use active or passive acoustic technology. Active acoustics involves emitting sound waves and analyzing their echoes to study objects in the ocean, such as seafloor topography, fish populations, or a shipwreck. In contrast, passive acoustics involves capturing sounds from the surrounding environment with an acoustic device to monitor and estimate marine life behaviors and abundance, or investigate undersea volcanoes and earthquakes. 

As sound is a primary means of communication for many marine species, disruption in acoustic environments can impact their behavior and survival. Specifically, ocean noise causes stress on marine life, disrupting communication, navigation, and marine behaviors of whales, dolphins, and fish. Prolonged exposure to high levels of underwater noise can lead to hearing loss, reduced feeding efficiency, and increased vulnerability to predators, threatening the existence of many organisms. Reducing ocean noise pollution contributes to healthier marine environments, supporting biodiversity and environmental sustainability.

Lastly, the study of ocean acoustics is also critical to society and our national security. The U.S. Navy is specifically interested in enhancing underwater navigation and communication, and the detection of submarines or other vessels. This knowledge helps improve maritime safety and maintains our nation’s strategic defense in global waters. But studying sound is also essential for protecting marine ecosystems, which directly impact our food security, livelihoods, and the health of coastal communities which are key to the growing blue economy.

Topics To Explore

Webinar Series

Coming soon! View the NOSB’s ocean acoustic related Professional Development Webinar Series recordings to learn more.

    More Places To Learn

    Discovery of Sound in the Sea Webinar Series (DOSITS)

    The Art of Ocean Acoustics – GSO Ocean Classroom (URI Graduate School of Oceanography)

    Impact of Noise Videos (NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries)

    Ocean Sound and Impact of Noise Webinars (NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries)

    Ocean Sounds Playlist on YouTube (NOAA Fisheries Southwest Acoustic Ecology)

    Eavesdropping on the Ocean (Data Nuggets)

    CRESCENDO (Communicating Research Expansively through Sonification and Community-Engaged Neuroaesthetic Data-literacy Opportunities) (University of South Florida)

    Ocean Acoustics Education and Expertise (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2024)

    Underwater Acoustics for Everyone (Acoustics Today, 2014)