seismic surveys whatwe don’t know can hurt（地震调查我们不知道会伤害）.docVIP

Seismic Surveys: What We Don’t Know Can Hurt A report by Jim Cummings, Acoustic Ecology Institute Prepared for Greenpeace USA November 2003 Abstract Seismic surveys utilize airguns to produce explosive impulses of sound directed toward the ocean bottom. Echoes produced by these impulses are used to gather information on sub-surface geological features; this information is used by academic geologists and the oil and gas industry. Both researchers and the public have become concerned about ways that sounds created by the airguns may impact ocean creatures; while it is generally believed that the risk of physiological damage is low, there are many uncertainties in our understanding of both sound propagation and biological effects. In addition, the complexities of acoustics science and inconsistent measuring systems used within the research community have made it difficult for non-scientists to communicate their concerns in an informed way. Here we provide a primer for the non-scientist on current knowledge about airguns, propagation of their sounds over distance, and acoustic sensitivity of ocean dwelling creatures; a discussion of the need for a precautionary approach to regulation of anthropogenic sound in the seas; and a series of suggested mitigations and research programs to be undertaken in consort with future seismic surveys. Executive Summary Seismic surveys utilizing airguns have been taking place in mineral-rich areas of the world’s oceans since 1968. Among the areas that have experienced the most intense survey activity are the North Sea, the Beaufort Sea (off Alaska’s North Slope), and the Gulf of Mexico; areas around Australia and South America are also current hot-spots of activity. (for details of US OCS trends, see 2000 MMS report Geological and Geophysical Data Acquisition, Outer Continental Shelf Through 1999, /itd/pubs/2000/2000-071.pdf) The impulses created by the release of air from arrays of up to 24 airguns create low frequency sou