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Passive Acoustic Data Collection

browse graphicSpectogram of sound. Credit: NOAA
The collection and analysis of passive acoustic data supports research into the soundscape of marine environments. Primary uses include detecting and characterizing sounds produced and used by living marine resources, natural sources of noise from physical oceanographic processes, and anthropogenic noise sources that contribute to the overall ocean noise environment. This analysis supports a wide range of activities including marine mammal stock assessments, monitoring of earthquake and geological activity, and assessing impacts of anthropogenic noise on marine life. The goal of this collection is to steward an accessible national archive of passive acoustic data available to researchers and the public, and to assist NOAA in meeting their data management and accessibility requirements.
  • Cite as: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. 2017. Passive Acoustic Data Collection. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. https://doi.org/10.25921/PF0H-SQ72 [access date].
gov.noaa.ncei.pad:PAD_Collection
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Search Data
Distribution Formats
  • raw audio files(Version:1)
    • File Specification: Raw audio files produced from data collected by a passive acoustic recording system. File format is one of the standard audio file formats (.wav, .aif, .flac, etc.)
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 2017-02-13T00:00:00 to Present
Spatial Bounding Box Coordinates
West:-180
East:180
South:-90
North:90
Spatial Coverage Map
General Documentation
Publication Dates
  • publication: 2017-02-13
Dataset Progress Status Status not available
Data Update Frequency As needed
Purpose The intent of the Passive Acoustic Data Collection is to archive and make available passive acoustic data to researchers and the public for a wide variety of uses.
Dataset Citation
  • Cite as: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. 2017. Passive Acoustic Data Collection. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. https://doi.org/10.25921/PF0H-SQ72 [access date].
Resource Providers
  • NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
Publishers
  • NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
Theme keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Science Keywords
  • Earth Science > Biological Classification > Animals/Vertebrates > Fish
  • Earth Science > Biological Classification > Animals/Vertebrates > Mammals > Cetaceans
  • Earth Science > Oceans > Ocean Acoustics
  • Earth Science Oceans > Aquatic Sciences > Fisheries
  • 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
Platform keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Platform Keywords
  • Fixed Observation Stations
  • Mobile Stations/Vehicles
Instrument keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Instrument Keywords
  • In Situ/Laboratory Instruments > Recorders/Loggers > Passive Acoustic Recorder
  • Acoustic Sounders > Hydrophones
Place keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Location Keywords
  • Oceans
  • Vertical Location > Water Column
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: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. 2017. Passive Acoustic Data Collection. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. https://doi.org/10.25921/PF0H-SQ72 [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 primary data in this collection consists of raw unprocessed passive acoustic data files that were submitted to NCEI for archive. In addition, ancillary files are also included if provided. When possible, checksum values are compared to verify file integrity before being added to the archive. No other processing or quality control steps are applied to the data.
Acquisition Information (collection)
Instrument
    Platform
    • Various fixed and mobile platforms depending on dataset within collection
    Last Modified: 2024-07-23T23:03:06
    For questions about the information on this page, please email:ncei.info@noaa.gov