Thursday, February 17, 2011
Monday, February 7, 2011
"Rock and Roll Ain't Ocean-Noise Pollution" - an analyzation of Oceanic Noise Pollution
When most people think of pollution in the ocean, they think of a mass of oil spilling into a perfectly blue sea. However, noise pollution in the ocean is a thought that is scarcely brought to mind regarding this subject.
Picture any big city: Vegas, Brooklyn, Atlanta, Chicago, even Nashville.
Think about downtown.
Jackhammers, semi-trucks, car horns, and the bustle of people create a dull roar that may never exit our ears. This constant roar is noise pollution. Throughout history, underwater decibel level and noise pollution level has been relatively low. However, in a recent study, marine biologists say that noise pollution levels have been high - inhibiting whales to communicate with each other via sonar. Humans, within the last one hundred and fifty years, have been responsible for increased noise pollution. Oceanic noise pollution is a problem because sound travels much faster and farther in water than on land.
The main contributor of ocean noise is boat traffic. Modern submarines and super tankers travel with a dull roar of somewhere around 190 db. Coupled with smaller boats such as ferries, (which cruise with a volume of about 160 db), these machines will create a constant white noise which can create complications for communication among denizens of the sea. Two examples of sea creatures that use sonar communication are the stellar sea lions, and the California sea lions .
To continue, another cause of ONP is the use of acoustic thermometry - using sonar to determine the temperature of the ocean at a given location. These low frequencies sounds are usually located on the spectrum around 190 db. Coupled with "ringers" and "pingers", which are used to scare away sea animals from fishing boats, these loud noises can wreak havoc.
Oceanic Noise Pollution is a problem. This problem needs to be solved. Many governments around the world are beginning to recognize that noise pollution is, indeed, a problem.
________________________
To be honest, after reading this article, I do believe that noise pollution is a problem. That being said, I also do not know where I could help, if I felt the need to do so. I do not support PETA, nor am I usually an animal rights advocate. Even so, I still believe that noise pollution is a tragic dilemma for sea animals who use sonar.
Picture any big city: Vegas, Brooklyn, Atlanta, Chicago, even Nashville.
Think about downtown.
Jackhammers, semi-trucks, car horns, and the bustle of people create a dull roar that may never exit our ears. This constant roar is noise pollution. Throughout history, underwater decibel level and noise pollution level has been relatively low. However, in a recent study, marine biologists say that noise pollution levels have been high - inhibiting whales to communicate with each other via sonar. Humans, within the last one hundred and fifty years, have been responsible for increased noise pollution. Oceanic noise pollution is a problem because sound travels much faster and farther in water than on land.
The main contributor of ocean noise is boat traffic. Modern submarines and super tankers travel with a dull roar of somewhere around 190 db. Coupled with smaller boats such as ferries, (which cruise with a volume of about 160 db), these machines will create a constant white noise which can create complications for communication among denizens of the sea. Two examples of sea creatures that use sonar communication are the stellar sea lions, and the California sea lions .
To continue, another cause of ONP is the use of acoustic thermometry - using sonar to determine the temperature of the ocean at a given location. These low frequencies sounds are usually located on the spectrum around 190 db. Coupled with "ringers" and "pingers", which are used to scare away sea animals from fishing boats, these loud noises can wreak havoc.
Oceanic Noise Pollution is a problem. This problem needs to be solved. Many governments around the world are beginning to recognize that noise pollution is, indeed, a problem.
________________________
To be honest, after reading this article, I do believe that noise pollution is a problem. That being said, I also do not know where I could help, if I felt the need to do so. I do not support PETA, nor am I usually an animal rights advocate. Even so, I still believe that noise pollution is a tragic dilemma for sea animals who use sonar.
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