Twenty Thousand Hertz Sounds of the Deep: Mysteries and threats beneath the waves
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May 22, 2024 
Acoustician Al Jones and Professor John Hildebrand discuss the impacts of human-generated noise on marine animals, particularly whales. They explore underwater soundscapes, whale communication, and conservation efforts. The podcast delves into tragic events caused by military sonar and emphasizes the importance of reducing underwater noise pollution for the well-being of marine life.
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Sound Underwater
- Sound travels differently underwater due to water's physical properties.
- It's about four times faster in water than in air, influenced by the density of the medium.
Navigating by Sound
- Al Jones, an underwater acoustician, worked on a submarine relying on sound for navigation.
- He describes it as driving by sound, where hearing is crucial in the absence of windows or cameras.
Challenges of Underwater Listening
- Underwater listening is challenging due to the constant, loud motion of the water.
- Competing noises from ships and other vessels add to the difficulty of identifying specific sounds.