Since 1991, research conducted by PMEL has shown the value of passive underwater acoustics for monitoring a variety of ocean processes. PMEL maintains access to hydrophones from fixed, cabled arrays such as the US Navy’s SOund SUrveillance System (SOSUS) and portable, autonomous hydrophone moorings developed in-house. Research activities include continuous monitoring of the Juan de Fuca Ridge for volcanic activity, Pacific-wide monitoring of low-level seismicity, the interpretation of underwater landslides, the movement and behavior of large marine mammals, and the long-term monitoring of the sources of man-made and natural sound in the ocean to assess the impact of acoustics on marine life. Future plans include the expansion of monitoring to the global ocean and further emphasis on the impacts of noise in the ocean. A mature research team including scientists, engineers, mathematicians, computer specialists, field technicians, and data analysts work routinely with incoming acoustic data streams. Research opportunities exist to further exploit these acoustic data sets for environmental science applications and to enhance the large-scale technology required for expanding the current acoustic network to a global system.

 

Reference

Dziak RP, et al: Geology, 2007

 

key words

Underwater acoustics; SONUS; Volcanic activity; Pacific Ocean; Seismicity; Landslides; Marine life; Ocean technology;

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents and non-U.S. citizens

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral and Senior applicants