Seismic crustal imaging using fin whale songs

Area of Science:

• Marine bioacoustics
• Seismology
• Oceanography

Background:

• Fin whale vocalizations are powerful, long-distance oceanic signals.
• Ocean-bottom seismometers record seismic waves and ambient noise.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze fin whale songs recorded by ocean-bottom seismometers.
• To use bioacoustic signals for seismic crustal studies.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of fin whale songs recorded at ocean-bottom seismic stations.
• Identification of waterborne and crustally reflected/refracted signals.
• Seismic modeling to constrain crustal properties.

Main Results:

• Fin whale songs contain both waterborne and crustally reflected/refracted signals.
• Constrained thickness and seismic velocity of oceanic sediment and basaltic basement.
• Determined P-wave velocity of the gabbroic lower crust.

Conclusions:

• Fin whale calls can complement traditional seismic surveys.
• Bioacoustic data provide valuable insights into oceanic crustal structure.
• This method offers a non-invasive alternative for geophysical studies.