An example of a measured ocean soundscape (IMAGE)

Terry Collins Assoc

An example of a measured ocean soundscape

Caption

This map from the IQOE-endorsed JOMOPANS project shows the difference between the total noise level and the natural noise level with differences up to 30 decibels (dB). The underwater noise was measured at 15 locations across the North Sea for a year. Shipping noise dominates human additions of noise in the North Sea. While 30 dB on its own is not loud, the superimposition raises the level significantly higher than natural noise.

Credit

JOMOPANS

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