FY 2002

Estimated source levels of fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) vocalizations: Adjustments for surface interference

Charif, R.A., D.K. Mellinger, K.J. Dunsmore, K.M. Fristrup, and C.W. Clark

Mar. Mamm. Sci., 18(1), doi: 10.1111/j.1748-7692.2002.tb01020.x, 81–98 (2002)

We recorded a series of 34 fin whale vocalizations using four calibrated hydrophones in a towed array. The whale's location was determined using arrival-time differences of each call at the hydrophones. The recordings showed evidence of interference between signals propagating along direct and surface-reflected paths (the “Lloyd Mirror”). We made preliminary estimates of source level (SL) using a spherical spreading model of transmission loss. We then applied a conservative correction for the effect of interference by subtracting the maximum possible signal enhancement from the preliminary SL estimate. These adjusted spherical spreading estimates had a median of 171 dB re 1 μPa at 1 m, with a range of 159–184 dB. These are the first SL estimates that explicitly attempt to correct for possible interference effects. We also propose a method that simultaneously estimates SL and source depth by fitting a Lloyd Mirror transmission loss curve to the measured received level, known receiver depth, and source-to-receiver range. Attempts to apply this method to the present data set yielded inconsistent results, probably because of the small number of hydrophones available. With more hydrophones in the interference field, this new method should produce reliable estimates of SL and depth of vocalizing whales.