A framework for real time ocean sound estimation

Scientific Area:  Ocean Sciences

This PhD proposal aims at understanding the interaction between the physical ocean environment and the time, space and frequency distribution of ocean sound – the so-called ocean soundscape. This is to be achieved through the integration of modeling tools and in situ observation.

Candidates

AIR Centre PhD grants are aimed at applicants enrolled or that comply with the requirements to enroll for PhD related studies and who wish to carry out research towards this degree. Candidates holding a master’s degree or a 5-year undergraduate diploma in Physical, Engineering, Applied Mathematics or related fields may apply. Good skills on programing are preferred. Candidates must explain in the motivation letter their vision of the problem to be solved and why they have the skills necessary to carry the job. Candidates must present a tentative workplan for the applied theme.

Working hypothesis

Sound plays an important role in the underwater environment and in many cases, it replaces light and electromagnetic waves as a vehicle for communication, surveillance and monitoring. On the other hand, a significant part of ambient ocean sound is anthropogenic noise generated by activities such as shipping, offshore construction, seismic surveying, fishing, military, etc., which has an impact on marine life at an extent that is yet to be fully understood. One of the main tools for the estimation of anthropogenic noise is the use of computational models to predict the distribution of sound pressure level based on the combination of source level simulators, environmental models and acoustic propagation models. The obtained sound maps provide the basis for generating indicators of environmental health status, thus fundamental tools for decision making support and protection policies. Ocean sound modeling is inherently limited by the amount and quality of the input data – source level and environmental data – as well as by time, space and frequency specifications. Spatial coverage, time resolution and frequency band associated with environmental factors have a major impact on computational burden that often precludes real time or near real-time estimation. Another constraint is the lack of experimental data for model calibration.

The proposed program aims at setting up an integrated framework for ocean sound modeling in near real time, encompassing hydrodynamic and acoustic propagation modeling, as well as field data for model calibration. Near real time in this context means a time interval compatible with ocean variation, say, approximately one estimate every 30 minutes. This is made possible thanks to a modular architecture that allows mainly for: pre-configured hydrodynamic model modules for water column properties update; on the fly selection of appropriate acoustic propagation models, depending on the environmental conditions (shallow / deep water), frequency band, shipping distribution, etc.; and the setup of pre-processed data transmission protocols from observation stations for calibration. This level of integration of ocean properties, acoustic estimation and data on a near real time tool and its implementation and test in actual conditions, is the most innovative aspect of this research proposal.

The outcomes are expected to have an impact on the design of up to date, enhanced and accurate ocean noise indicators to support national and EU marine policies, the detection and monitoring of infrastructures (offshore, ports, mining, etc.), disaster management, climate change, and other applications.

Name of supervisors

Sérgio M. Jesus, sjesus@ualg.pt, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal

Emmanuel Skarsoulis, eskars@iacm.forth.gr, Institute of Applied & Computational Mathematics/FORTH, Heraklion, Crete, Greece

Identification of PhD program

Doctoral degree on Marine, Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Algarve

Programme web page  https://www.ualg.pt/en/curso/1562

Notice of the Call ( english version)

Notice of the Call (portuguese version)

We are no longer accepting applications for this scholarship. Thank you.