Improved characterization of ambient sound levels in a coastal environment via use of an unmanned wave glider

Abstract

In this project, we use an unmanned Liquid Robotics SV3 wave glider as a tool for basic research studying ambient acoustics in shallower, coastal waters off the coast of East-Central Florida. The primary objective is to characterize sound levels in varying conditions via collection of high-resolution environmental data. The SV3 is used to systematically characterize the acoustic environment in coastal waters, while simultaneously measuring oceanographic parameters such as wind speed, wind direction, and wave height. Quantifying the influence of these fundamental oceanographic influences on shallow water acoustics will provide improved characterization of surface noise and comparison with traditional ambient noise spectra. Ambient noise spectra will be presented for various sea states and wind scenarios, as measured at 25 foot depth using a towfish attached to the SV3. Some of these measurements are also compared to fixed station bottom recordings. Finally, this effort also includes characterization of unique sources of biological sounds recorded by the SV3, including not previously documented loud fish chorusing in this region.