Minimal COVID-19 Quieting Measured in the Deep, Offshore Waters of the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf

TitleMinimal COVID-19 Quieting Measured in the Deep, Offshore Waters of the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year2022
AuthorsMiksis-Olds, J, Martin, B, Lowell, K, Verlinden, C, Heaney, K
JournalJournal of the Acoustical Society of America Express Letters
Volume2(9)
Pages090801
Date PublishedSeptember 9
KeywordsAtlantic Deepwater Ecosystem Observatory Network/ADEON, change-point analysis, COVID-19, marine traffic, sound level

Using a two-year time series (2019-2020) of one-minute sound pressure level averages from seven sites, the extension of COVID-related quieting documented in coastal soundscapes to deep (approximately 200-900m) waters off the southeastern United States was assessed. Sites ranged in distance to the Continental shelf break and shipping lanes. Sound level decreases in 2020 were observed at sites closest to the shelf break and shipping lanes but were inconsistent with the timing of shipping changes related to a COVID-19 slow down. These observations are consistent with increased numbers of vessel tracks in 2020 compared to 2019 at a majority of sites.

DOI10.1121/10.0013999
Refereed DesignationRefereed
Region