Acoustic analysis of the glacier caves in Svalbard

Abstract

Glacier caves are unique and spectacular wonders of nature that can be found in very few places in the world. They have different shapes, capacity or wall structures that most often form anew every winter season. The article explores an interesting aspect of glacier cave acoustics as these spaces have never been investigated in that respect. The paper shows the methods and results of spatial impulse measurements in four different glacier caves of the Svalbard archipelago located near the city of Longyearbyen. The basic room acoustic parameters together with Sound Pressure Levels have been measured or calculated together with parametric statistical analysis. The results show the diversity of acoustical climates inside the glacier caves that strongly depends on the morphology and dimensions of the caves. The analysis of measurement locations (within particular caves) shows the strong influence on sound absorption by the snow located at the entrance of the caves. The conducted research shows the potential of acoustical measurements in the process of monitoring the cave morphology and therefore climate changes as well.