Ambient noise in the surf zone

Bass, Sarah J. (1995) Ambient noise in the surf zone. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

Ambient noise in the surf zone was recorded using a broad-band hydrophone, located approximately one meter below the sea surface, in the frequency range 100 Hz to 5 kHz. The predominant source of this noise is from breaking waves. Analysis of simultaneous land-based video observations of the sea surface in the region of the hydrophone, along with wave height data, reveals qualitative correlation between wave-breaking events and the hydrophone signal. In energetic surf, the sounds appear to be generated locally. Sounds from distant breaking events are not detected probably due to the effects of bubble screening. The detection by the hydrophone of breaking waves in the immediate vicinity implies that ambient noise in heavy surf provides a means of studying individual breakers and is a useful measure of local breaking frequency.

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