Using the Model for Ambient Sound Levels Underwater from Wind (MUSLAW) to Estimate Wind Speeds

A model that generates a time series of underwater sound from the wind has recently been proposed. The model incorporates water and receiver depths, sound speed profile, bottom sediment type, and the wind speed. Here the modelled sound levels are compared with measured sound levels collected over two years at six locations as part of the Atlantic Deepwater Ecosystem Observatory Network (ADEON) project in the U.S. Mid- and South Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf. The estimated wind speed closely (aligned with)the wind speed from the ERA5 global reanalysis dataset (resolution of ERA5) with an average standard deviation of 1.35. From this comparison, it is concluded that the model provides an accurate representation of the underwater sound from wind. The model may be used to estimate wind speed, when given sediment type and when the acoustic data are well calibrated, have few artefacts in the frequency range of 1– 15 kHz, and there are a few other sound sources present besides wind.