An acoustic modeling study of airgun noise from seismic surveys performed offshore British Columbia Free

A recent numerical modeling study has examined the propagation of underwater noise from potential seismic survey activity in Hecate Strait and Queen Charlotte Sound, Canada. Noise level predictions from this study are based on an integrated modeling approach incorporating an airgun array source model, a broadband transmission loss model, and an environmental model based on high resolution bathymetry, historical CTD casts and geophysical data. Details of the source model, transmission loss model and environmental model are discussed. Selected noise level predictions from the modeling study are presented. Results from this study will aid in evaluating potential environmental impacts of seismic exploration activity on marine ecosystems in British Columbia’s offshore region. [Work supported by BC MEM and NSERC.]