The soundscape of Ponta Negra beach in Natal/RN, Brazil: the case of the widening of the beach's sand strip

The soundscape of a given location can be transformed over time due to factors such as urbanization, technological advances and social changes, among others. The main tourist attraction in Natal-RN, Brazil, Ponta Negra beach, has undergone extensive intervention to contain the effects of erosion caused by the advance of the sea. The beach has had its sand strip expanded, now reaching about 100 meters at low tide. This work has had a major environmental impact, also affecting the soundscape. The aim of this article is to assess the impact of the Ponta Negra beach renourishment project on users' perceptions of the soundscape. The methodology was based on Sound Pressure Level measurements, vehicle counts and questionnaires with local users before and after the construction work. The number of measurement points after the work had to be increased due to the widening of the sand strip. The results show that, after the construction work, the sound of the sea became more distant for passers-by on the promenade, and the urban sounds of the nearby traffic lane became more prominent. In addition, there were more scenes of different human activities, such as soccer and volleyball games, which consequently changed the soundscape.