SanctSound Sound Propagation Models

browse graphicSound propagation modeling result for the Channel Islands CI04 site in January for a source level of 185 dB, source depth of 10 m, source frequency of 125 Hz. Credit: Tetyana Margolina/NPS
The map shows the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) calculated as the difference between predicted received level (RL) at the hydrophone and the wind-induced noise level (WN). The RL field is calculated as the difference between an assumed sound source level and transmission loss (TL), which is modeled using a Navy version of the range-dependent parabolic equations acoustic propagation model (1) and US Navy and NOAA environmental databases: High-Resolution ¼ degree Global Sea Surface Wind Speed and Climatology (NOAA); Bottom Sediment Type (Navy) BST database and Global Ocean Sediment Thickness Dataset (NOAA). Geoacoustic parameters are extracted from published sources (2). Range-dependent sound speed profiles along an acoustic propagation path are calculated from temperature and salinity climatological monthly means of the US Navy Generalized Digital Environmental Model (GDEM). The ocean bathymetry is based on the NAVOCEANO Digital Bathymetric Data Base, which has been merged with higher-resolution local bathymetry wherever available. The model runs along 360 radials to generate a pseudo-2D TL field within a predefined range from a single-frequency sound source fixed in space. Following the reciprocity principle, the TL field is interpreted as the transmission loss from moving sound sources within the predefined range from the fixed-position hydrophone (3). To estimate WN, the wind-induced noise spectrum level (NSL) at the sound source frequency is calculated from the 10 m wind speed monthly climatology using a Navy version of the Wenz curve. NSL is then converted to WN as a 1/3-octave band level centered at the sound source frequency.
(1) Collins M.D., A split-step Padé solution for the parabolic equation method, Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 93, 1736 (1993); doi: 10.1121/1.406739.
(2) Colosi, J.A., Sound Propagation through the Stochastic Ocean, Cambridge University Press, NY, 2016.
(3) Margolina, T., Joseph, J.E., and B. L. Southall, "BRS Sound Exposure Modeling Tool: A system for planning, visualization and analysis" OCEANS 2018 MTS/IEEE Charleston, Charleston, SC, USA, 2018, pp. 1-4. doi: 10.1109/OCEANS.2018.8604911
  • Cite as: Margolina, Tetyana. Naval Postgraduate School. Sound Propagation Models, SanctSound Data Products. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. https://doi.org/10.25921/cdxs-rt17. [access date]
  • 10.25921/cdxs-rt17
  • NCEI Metadata ID: gov.noaa.ncei.pad:NOAA-Navy-SanctSound_Sound_Propagation_Models
gov.noaa.ncei.pad:NOAA-Navy-SanctSound_Sound_Propagation_Models
Search Data
Download Data
  • Google Cloud Storage (download)
    Google Cloud Storage providing public access to passive acoustic data through the NOAA Big Data Project.
Distribution Formats
  • sound propagatiom models(.nc)(Version:1)
    • File Specification: Each sound propagation model output is specific to its input parameters, namely the amplitude and frequency of the sound pressure level and the depth in the water column for the modeled sound source. In addition, model results vary by time of year due to differences in oceanographic conditions that affect sound propagation.
Ordering Instructions Contact NCEI for other distribution options and instructions.
Distributor NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
ncei.info@noaa.gov
Dataset Point of Contact NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
ncei.info@noaa.gov
Dataset Point of Contact Carrie Wall
NCEI Passive Acoustic Archive Lead
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
pad.info@noaa.gov
Time Period
Spatial Bounding Box Coordinates
West:-159.58653
East:-70.178607
South:20.807567
North:48.4905
Spatial Coverage Map
General Documentation
Associated Resources
  • NOAA-Navy Sanctuary Soundscape Monitoring Project (SanctSound)
    • Sound Monitoring
      NOAA and the U.S. Navy are working to better understand underwater sound within the National Marine Sanctuary System. For the next few years, these agencies will work with numerous scientific partners to study sound within seven national marine sanctuaries and one marine national monument, which includes waters off Hawai'i and the east and west coasts. Standardized acoustic measurements are used to assess sounds produced by marine animals, physical processes (e.g., wind and waves), and human activities. Collectively, this information will help NOAA and the Navy measure sound levels and baseline acoustic conditions in sanctuaries. This work is a continuation of ongoing Navy and NOAA monitoring and research, including efforts by the NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries.
Publication Dates
  • publication: 2022-03-15
Dataset Progress Status Ongoing - data is continually being updated
Data Update Frequency As needed
Purpose The interpretation of the maps requires knowledge and expertise in underwater acoustic modeling and ocean acoustics. The propagation modeling results are not intended for use in scientific research or decision-making and management.
Dataset Citation
  • Cite as: Margolina, Tetyana. Naval Postgraduate School. Sound Propagation Models, SanctSound Data Products. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. https://doi.org/10.25921/cdxs-rt17. [access date]
Cited Authors
  • U.S. Naval Postgraduate School
Principal Investigators
  • Tetyana Margolina
    U.S. Naval Postgraduate School
Publishers
  • NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
Acknowledgments
  • This project received funding from the U.S. Navy.
Theme keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Science Keywords
  • Earth Science > Oceans > Ocean Acoustics
  • Earth Science > Oceans > Marine Environment Monitoring
  • Earth Science > Oceans > Ocean Acoustics > Ambient Noise
  • Earth Science > Biosphere > Aquatic Ecosystems
  • Earth Science > Biosphere > Aquatic Ecosystems > Marine Habitat
Data Center keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Data Center Keywords
  • DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NCEI > National Centers for Environmental Information, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
  • Naval Postgraduate School
  • DOD/USNAVY > U.S. Navy, U.S. Department of Defense
  • DOC/NOAA/NOS/NMS > National Marine Sanctuaries, National Ocean Service, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
Platform keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Platform Keywords
  • Models/Analyses > OBSERVATION BASED
Place keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Location Keywords
  • Ocean > Pacific Ocean > Eastern Pacific Ocean
  • Ocean > Atlantic Ocean > North Atlantic Ocean
  • Ocean > Pacific Ocean > Central Pacific Ocean > Hawaiian Islands
  • Vertical Location > Water Column
Project keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Project Keywords
  • SanctSound > NOAA-Navy Sanctuary Soundscape Monitoring Project
Use Constraints
  • Use liability: NOAA and NCEI cannot provide any warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of furnished data. Users assume responsibility to determine the usability of these data. The user is responsible for the results of any application of this data for other than its intended purpose.
Access Constraints
  • Distribution liability: NOAA and NCEI make no warranty, expressed or implied, regarding these data, nor does the fact of distribution constitute such a warranty. NOAA and NCEI cannot assume liability for any damages caused by any errors or omissions in these data. If appropriate, NCEI can only certify that the data it distributes are an authentic copy of the records that were accepted for inclusion in the NCEI archives.
Other Constraints Cite as: Margolina, Tetyana. Naval Postgraduate School. Sound Propagation Models, SanctSound Data Products. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. https://doi.org/10.25921/cdxs-rt17. [access date]
Fees
  • In most cases, electronic downloads of the data are free. However, fees may apply for custom orders, data certifications, copies of analog materials, and data distribution on physical media.
Lineage information for:series
Processing Steps
  • The map shows the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) calculated as the difference between predicted received level (RL) at the hydrophone and the wind-induced noise level (WN). The RL field is calculated as the difference between an assumed sound source level and transmission loss (TL), which is modeled using a Navy version of the range-dependent parabolic equations acoustic propagation model (1) and US Navy and NOAA environmental databases: High-Resolution ¼ degree Global Sea Surface Wind Speed and Climatology (NOAA); Bottom Sediment Type (Navy) BST database and Global Ocean Sediment Thickness Dataset (NOAA). Geoacoustic parameters are extracted from published sources (2). Range-dependent sound speed profiles along an acoustic propagation path are calculated from temperature and salinity climatological monthly means of the US Navy Generalized Digital Environmental Model (GDEM). The ocean bathymetry is based on the NAVOCEANO Digital Bathymetric Data Base, which has been merged with higher-resolution local bathymetry wherever available. The model runs along 360 radials to generate a pseudo-2D TL field within a predefined range from a single-frequency sound source fixed in space. Following the reciprocity principle, the TL field is interpreted as the transmission loss from moving sound sources within the predefined range from the fixed-position hydrophone (3). To estimate WN, the wind-induced noise spectrum level (NSL) at the sound source frequency is calculated from the 10 m wind speed monthly climatology using a Navy version of the Wenz curve. NSL is then converted to WN as a 1/3-octave band level centered at the sound source frequency. (1) Collins M.D., A split-step Padé solution for the parabolic equation method, Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 93, 1736 (1993); doi: 10.1121/1.406739. (2) Colosi, J.A., Sound Propagation through the Stochastic Ocean, Cambridge University Press, NY, 2016. (3) Margolina, T., Joseph, J.E., and B. L. Southall, "BRS Sound Exposure Modeling Tool: A system for planning, visualization and analysis" OCEANS 2018 MTS/IEEE Charleston, Charleston, SC, USA, 2018, pp. 1-4. doi: 10.1109/OCEANS.2018.8604911
Last Modified: 2022-03-15
For questions about the information on this page, please email:ncei.info@noaa.gov