What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to analyze acoustic conditions and the effects of noise in the Northern Gulf of Ob.

April 8, 2026

Results of a Survey of the Acoustic Conditions in the Northern Gulf of Ob

Key Points

The aim is to analyze acoustic conditions and the effects of noise in the Northern Gulf of Ob.
Conducted acoustic monitoring in the Gulf of Ob
Identified noise sources from vessels and marine mammals
Analyzed sounds from beluga whales using a convolutional neural network
Developed a geoacoustic waveguide model based on air gun survey data
Performed numerical modeling to extrapolate findings
Identified high levels of vessel-generated and marine mammal communication noise
Quantitative analysis of beluga whale sounds provided valuable insights
Concluded significant attenuation of low-frequency sounds during propagation
Predicted the impact of anthropogenic noise across other study sites based on models

Abstract

The article presents the results of acoustic monitoring in the northern part of the shallow-water Gulf of Ob (Ob River estuary, an embayment in the Kara Sea). Vessel-generated noise and communication signals from marine mammals are identified among acoustic sources. Sounds produced by beluga whales are subjected to quantitative analysis using a convolutional neural network. A model for inhomogeneous geoacoustic waveguide characteristic of this area is inferred from the data of a dedicated survey using an air gun as a low-frequency pulse source. A conclusion is drawn about the high level of attenuation of low-frequency sound during propagation. Based on numerical modeling, the measurement results are extrapolated to other sites of the study area that potentially have sources of anthropogenic noise.

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