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Long time-base observations of surf noise
1Marine Physical Laboratory, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UCSD, La Jolla 92093-0238, USA.
The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America
|February 25, 2000
Summary
Surf noise levels are primarily driven by wave height, scaling with its square. This indicates a consistent conversion of wave energy into sound energy near the shore.
Area of Science:
- Oceanography
- Acoustics
- Coastal processes
Background:
- Understanding nearshore acoustic environments is crucial for coastal research.
- Surf noise is a significant component of the ambient soundscape in coastal regions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze surf noise characteristics over a full year at La Jolla Shores beach.
- To determine the primary factors influencing surf noise levels and their relationship with wave parameters.
Main Methods:
- Continuous monitoring of ambient sound levels and surface wave height for one year.
- Correlation analysis between surf noise and wave height, period, wind speed, and water depth.
- Data collected hourly for 9-minute intervals in 8-meter deep water.
Main Results:
- Surf noise levels are predominantly determined by wave height.
- Surf noise intensity scales approximately with the square of the wave height.
- The conversion of surface wave energy flux to noise energy is relatively constant.
Conclusions:
- Wave height is the dominant factor controlling nearshore surf noise.
- The energy conversion efficiency from wave motion to acoustic energy is consistent.
- Further research can explore variations in this energy conversion ratio.