Project SPAN 3: Low-frequency ambient sea noise in the South Fiji Basin

Abstract

Measurements of low frequency ambient sea noise near the New Zealand coast show relatively low levels due to a generally sparse shipping density in the Southern Hemisphere. [R. W. Bannister et al., J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 55, 418 (1974)] Project SPAN 3 extends these measurements to a deep ocean basin, specifically the South Fiji Basin located to the north of New Zealand. Ambient noise (10–500 Hz) was recorded continuously for one week on five hydrophones which were suspended between 300 and 2300 m depth in 4000 m of water. Supporting propagation loss measurements and ship density surveys were conducted. The results are in agreement with the previously reported data. [Work supported by NUSC and DSE.]