Vertical Directionality of Ambient Noise in the Deep Ocean at a Site near Bermuda

Abstract

The vertical directionality of ambient ocean noise at 2400 f (fathoms) off Bermuda has been determined experimentally, using a novel data-reduction technique. In agreement with qualitative models, the results indicate that low-frequency noise arrives primarily from the horizontal while noise of higher frequency is incident from overhead. The measured dependence of observed levels on Beaufort-scale wind force is also consistent with the presumed sources of the noise. Absolute noise levels are several decibels lower than those measured near the surface.