Anthropogenic sound field and noise mapping in an Arctic fjord during summer

Sound Pressure Levels were recorded using an Automated Noise Measurement System, during July 2015 - April 2016 at the Kongsfjorden, Arctic. The fjord houses the NyAlesund port and has many vessels plying during summer, which contributes to anthropogenic noise. Spectral distribution and average sound level at 1/3-octave band from 63 Hz to 5000 Hz has been analyzed and correlated with Automatic Identification System marine traffic data. The radiated acoustic field from vessel transits has been predicted through source level modeling for different category vessels. Further, an acoustic propagation model MMPE based on Parabolic Equation method has been used to evaluate range dependent propagation along the fjord and Transmission Loss estimates have been calculated for upslope and down slope cases. Noise due to shipping has been estimated using Source-PathReceiver Model using Propagation Loss model estimates, Sound Pressure Level, and Source Level predictions. Noise maps with level contours are generated for shipping, depicting the maximum sound levels for the Kongsfjorden.

Automated summary

The study recorded sound pressure levels at Kongsfjorden, Arctic using an Automated Noise Measurement System, analyzing the acoustic characteristics and noise propagation of vessels. It predicted the radiated acoustic field from vessel transits, as well as the propagation and transmission loss of noise in the fjord, calculating the impact range and levels of shipping noise.