11.2 Noise and Electromagnetic Field Impacts
2 min read•august 7, 2024
and from tidal and wave energy devices can disrupt marine life. affects communication and behavior of marine mammals, fish, and invertebrates. from may interfere with and for some species.
These environmental impacts are crucial considerations in the development of marine renewable energy projects. Understanding and mitigating these effects is essential for sustainable implementation of tidal and wave energy technologies in marine ecosystems.
Underwater Noise Impacts
Sources of Underwater Noise Pollution
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Top images from around the web for Sources of Underwater Noise Pollution
Frontiers | Managing the Effects of Noise From Ship Traffic, Seismic Surveying and Construction ... View original
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OS - Modelling of ships as a source of underwater noise View original
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Frontiers | Observing the Oceans Acoustically View original
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- Underwater noise pollution occurs when human activities introduce sound into the marine environment
- is caused by various sources such as shipping, oil and gas exploration, and marine renewable energy devices
- is generated by the regular functioning of tidal and wave energy devices (turbines, generators)
- arises from activities like pile driving, drilling, and dredging during the installation of marine energy infrastructure
Effects on Marine Life
- relies heavily on acoustic signals for essential behaviors (foraging, mating, navigation)
- Underwater noise can mask or disrupt these acoustic signals, interfering with marine mammal communication
- Noise pollution may cause behavioral changes, stress, and disorientation in marine mammals
- Other marine life, such as fish and invertebrates, can also be affected by underwater noise
- Noise can disrupt their behavior, cause , and alter their
Electromagnetic Field Effects
Sources of Electromagnetic Fields
- Electromagnetic fields (EMF) are generated by the transmission of electricity through subsea cables
- Tidal and wave energy devices require subsea cables to transmit the generated electricity to shore
- The strength of the EMF depends on factors such as , , and
Potential Impacts on Marine Life
- Some marine species, particularly (sharks, rays), are sensitive to electromagnetic fields
- Elasmobranchs use for navigation, prey detection, and orientation
- EMF from subsea cables may interfere with their ability to navigate and locate prey
- Fish species that use magnetic fields for migration (salmon, eels) could potentially be affected by EMF
- EMF might disrupt their or cause disorientation
- The extent of EMF impacts on marine life is still being researched, and long-term effects are not fully understood
Key Terms to Review (19)
Acoustic disturbance: An acoustic disturbance refers to any unintended or unwanted sound that can negatively affect the environment and living organisms. This term is particularly relevant in the study of noise pollution and its impacts on both human health and wildlife, highlighting how excessive noise can disrupt natural behaviors and ecosystems.
Burial depth: Burial depth refers to the vertical distance at which subsea cables are installed beneath the seabed. This measurement is crucial as it affects the protection of the cable from environmental factors, including currents, fishing activities, and geological changes. Understanding burial depth is also essential for assessing the impact of noise and electromagnetic fields on marine life and ensuring the integrity of the cable over its operational lifespan.
Cable design: Cable design refers to the process of creating and selecting the appropriate cables used to transmit power and data in various engineering applications, including renewable energy systems. It involves considerations of electrical, mechanical, and environmental factors to ensure efficiency and reliability. Proper cable design is crucial in minimizing noise and electromagnetic field impacts, which can affect both equipment performance and nearby ecosystems.
Construction noise: Construction noise refers to the various sounds produced during construction activities, including machinery operation, demolition, and material transport. This type of noise can have significant effects on nearby communities, influencing not just human health but also wildlife and the environment. The intensity and frequency of construction noise can vary greatly depending on the equipment used and the nature of the work being conducted.
Current flow: Current flow refers to the movement of electric charge through a conductor, typically measured in amperes. This movement is crucial in understanding how electrical energy is transmitted and utilized in various systems, including those that involve noise and electromagnetic fields. The behavior of current flow can influence both the performance of electrical devices and the impact of electromagnetic fields on the environment and living organisms.
Distribution Patterns: Distribution patterns refer to the way in which noise and electromagnetic fields are spread across a particular area, influencing how these impacts affect surrounding environments and communities. Understanding these patterns is crucial for assessing potential risks and managing environmental concerns associated with various energy technologies. The distribution of sound and electromagnetic emissions can vary based on numerous factors such as source characteristics, environmental conditions, and geographical features.
Elasmobranchs: Elasmobranchs are a subclass of cartilaginous fish that include sharks, rays, and skates. Characterized by their flattened bodies and gills located on the underside, they play a crucial role in marine ecosystems and are sensitive to environmental changes, particularly from human activities such as noise pollution and electromagnetic fields.
Electromagnetic Fields: Electromagnetic fields (EMF) are physical fields produced by electrically charged objects, consisting of both electric fields and magnetic fields. These fields interact with charged particles, influencing their motion and energy levels. In the context of energy systems, understanding EMF is crucial for evaluating their impacts on human health, wildlife, and the surrounding environment, especially when it comes to the operation of various energy technologies.
Electromagnetic reception: Electromagnetic reception refers to the process by which devices or organisms detect and interpret electromagnetic waves, which can include a wide range of frequencies from radio waves to visible light. This phenomenon is crucial for various applications, including communication technologies, remote sensing, and energy harvesting from the environment. Understanding electromagnetic reception is essential for assessing its impact on noise levels and how electromagnetic fields can affect both living organisms and electronic systems.
Emf: Electromotive force (emf) is a measure of the energy provided by a power source per unit charge, typically measured in volts. It represents the voltage generated by a battery or other electrical source when no current is flowing. In the context of electromagnetic fields, emf can be influenced by various factors, including noise and environmental conditions, impacting energy generation and transmission.
Marine mammal communication: Marine mammal communication refers to the various methods and signals that marine mammals, such as whales, dolphins, and seals, use to convey information to one another. This communication is crucial for social interactions, navigation, hunting, and mating. Understanding these communication methods is vital when examining how noise and electromagnetic fields can affect marine environments.
Migratory patterns: Migratory patterns refer to the predictable routes and behaviors that animals, particularly species like fish and birds, follow during their seasonal migrations. These patterns are influenced by various environmental factors such as food availability, breeding cycles, and changes in habitat. Understanding these patterns is crucial when assessing the impacts of human activities, like noise and electromagnetic fields, on wildlife during migration periods.
Navigation: Navigation refers to the process of determining one's position and planning a route to reach a specific destination. This concept is crucial in maritime and aerial contexts, as it involves using various tools and technologies to ensure safe and efficient travel across water or air, which is especially significant when considering the impacts of noise and electromagnetic fields on vessels and aircraft.
Noise pollution: Noise pollution is the excessive or harmful levels of sound in the environment that disrupts the natural acoustic environment. It can originate from various sources, such as transportation systems, industrial activities, and recreational pursuits, leading to adverse effects on both human health and wildlife. Understanding noise pollution is crucial as it connects to broader environmental concerns and helps evaluate the impacts of technology and energy systems.
Operational noise: Operational noise refers to the sound generated during the functioning of machines, equipment, or systems, particularly in energy production contexts. It is an important factor in assessing the environmental and social impacts of various energy technologies, including tidal and wave energy systems, as it can affect marine life and human communities nearby.
Physiological stress: Physiological stress refers to the body's physical response to external factors that disrupt its homeostasis, causing strain on bodily functions. This response can arise from various stimuli, including noise and electromagnetic fields, and can lead to alterations in metabolism, immune function, and overall health. Understanding physiological stress is crucial for assessing the impacts of environmental factors on living organisms.
Prey Detection: Prey detection refers to the ability of predators to locate and identify potential food sources in their environment. This process is critical for the survival of predatory species and involves various sensory modalities such as vision, hearing, and electroreception. In the context of noise and electromagnetic field impacts, prey detection can be significantly influenced by anthropogenic activities, which may disrupt natural behaviors and sensory capabilities of marine animals.
Subsea Cables: Subsea cables are fiber optic or electrical cables that are laid on the seabed to connect land-based networks and facilitate communication or power transmission. These cables are essential for transmitting data across oceans and connecting offshore energy generation systems, such as wind and tidal energy projects, to the mainland grid.
Underwater noise: Underwater noise refers to sound generated in aquatic environments that can affect marine life and ecosystems. It includes both natural sounds, like those from marine animals and ocean waves, and anthropogenic sounds, such as those produced by ships, construction, and energy generation activities. Understanding underwater noise is essential for assessing its impacts on wildlife behavior, communication, and overall marine health.