Sound Sources and Levels in the Ocean

Abstract

The standard definitions found in the American National Standards on Acoustics are applied to common sound sources used in both underwater acoustics research and naval sonar system operation. Recommended metrics are quantified for both continuous and transient sources of sound. Standard definitions are reviewed with theoretical sound source models. Requisite metrics are derived and applied to examples of energy sources of sound, such as transients from a small omnidirectional explosive, an air gun, a light bulb, and a dolphin click. A generic quantitative model of surface ship sonar system emissions is developed. Active sonar transmissions are analyzed with the requisite quantitative metrics required to characterize these emissions. These results should be useful in environmental assessments, biological experiments, and the sonar system design