Distant Noise Pollution Can Have Local Consequences
Sunday, January 29, 2012 - 10:40
in Physics & Chemistry
Underwater noise pollution does not usually receive as much attention as its terrestrial counterpart, despite the fact that many aquatic animals may be negatively impacted by loud noises. Because the speed of sound is 5 times faster in water than it is in air, acoustic pollution can maintain its intensity over much greater areas and affect a wide variety of animals located some distance from the noise source. Depending on the strength of a particular disturbance event's sound waves, exposed animals may suffer injuries (some lethal), hearing damage, and/or disruptions to their behavioral time budgets. read more