The project undertaken is a step forward in the direction to explore and build a better acoustic capacity in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) required for the enhanced Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA). It says that a 3D sound map is capable of displaying the variation of sound with various depths along with the surface variation of the sound. This mapping and characterization of distant shipping components of ambient noise in shallow water can aid in the sensor deployment for efficient AIS data collection, setting up inland waterways and communication channels. The project uses data from previous physical measurements made to validate the simulations for the specific region. This note presents the work carried out in simulating the AIS data to map the noise levels as a Raised-Relief Map in the Indian littoral waters of the Arabian Sea, IOR.
1.The primary objective of the project was to develop a 3D model which displays the variation of Shipping Noise levels in a region as we move along the surface (Lat-Long) and also factor in the variations observed with depth under the sea level.
2. The model was developed for an area of 90,000 sq. Km in the Arabian Sea region.
3. However, throughout the course of this study, all supporting files that were developed and needed were documented in order to facilitate the replication of such models for other regions as well.
4. A Noise Map is a map of an area which displays the varying noise levels in a region in the form of a color-coded map, also called heatmap.
5. A noise map of noise in water can be a source for conducting studies on various domains and is a crucial step in moving towards expanding the understanding of the Underwater Domain.
6. One of the best benefits of 3D mapping is that it provides the latest technical methods for visualization and gathering information.
7. Underwater Noise is measured through hydrophones which are the underwater equivalent of a microphone which measures the sound in the region by factoring the pressure changes in the surroundings.
“”We must note that the noise in the ocean has many contributing sources apart from ships. These sources can be natural as well as other man made sources. A way ahead would be to include all anthropogenic noise while creating such maps to actually study the adverse effects of the maritime industry on the marine ecosystem.
Research Intern, MRC