Small Vessel Contribution to Underwater Noise

Conference · Fri Dec 10 00:00:00 EST 2010

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1109/OCEANS.2010.5663818· OSTI ID:1059218

Matzner, Shari; Maxwell, Adam R; Myers, Joshua R; Caviggia, Kurt A; Elster, Jennifer L; Foley, Michael G; Jones, Mark E; Ogden, George L; Sorensen, Eric L; Zurk, Lisa M; Tagestad, Jerry D; Stephan, Alex J; Peterson, Mary E; Bradley, Donald J

Understanding the types of noise generated by a small boat is important for ensuring that marine ecosystems are protected from detrimental anthropogenic noise. Here we present the results of a field test conducted to examine the effects of engine RPM, number of engines and number of propeller blades on the broadband and narrowband noise produced by a small boat. The test boat was a 23-foot aluminum-hulled boat with dual 100 hp engines. The broadband noise and narrowband peak levels were observed using two hydrophones in different locations. The broadband noise levels were affected by both the number of engines and the RPM; the narrowband peaks showed a greater increase in amplitude with an increase in RPM than the broadband noise levels.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 1059218
• Report Number(s): PNNL-SA-74289; 400403909
• Resource Relation: Conference: Oceans 2010 MTS/IEEE Seattle
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English