Scientists Established Arctic Acoustic Baseline

Researchers have created a seven-year sound record to better monitor Arctic seismic and maritime activity.

Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Environmental

Isometric editorial illustration of a stainless-steel hydrophone sensor anchored to a jagged seafloor in the deep ocean. — Los Alamos National Laboratory scientists have established a seven-year acoustic baseline in the Beaufort Sea to monitor seismic and maritime activity. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Los Alamos National Laboratory scientists have established a long-term acoustic baseline for the Arctic underwater soundscape. The study utilized seven years of continuous recordings from the Beaufort Sea to map normal background noise.

Why it matters

Understanding natural background noise is critical for the reliable detection of earthquakes, detonations, and ship traffic. This baseline helps security experts monitor the Arctic as retreating sea ice and new shipping routes change the region.

Researchers deployed a hydrophone at a depth of 500 meters in the Beaufort Sea to capture data. This sensor is part of a broader network consisting of 12 acoustic sensors that record continuous ambient sounds.

The players

Los Alamos National Laboratory

This facility is a multidisciplinary research institution that conducts advanced scientific studies for national security and energy research.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

This federal agency is responsible for monitoring oceanic and atmospheric conditions through extensive research networks.

The details

The analysis reveals that summer soundscapes in the Arctic are primarily driven by ocean waves, while winter environments are characterized by moving and deforming sea ice. Seismic surveys also play a measurable role in the overall regional acoustic profile.

September 27, 2026: Study published in Journal of the Acoustical Society of America.

Deeper Dive

This study contributes to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Ocean Noise Reference Station Network by providing critical data from the Arctic. This research effectively extends the network's monitoring capabilities into the High North, a region previously lacking a long-term acoustic record.

A clearer understanding of underwater acoustics allows for more accurate detection of seismic events, which can improve regional hazard warnings. This data also supports safer maritime operations as traffic increases in the warming Arctic.

The takeaway

Establishing a baseline for environmental noise is an essential step for monitoring a rapidly changing Arctic landscape. Residents and policy makers can expect more precise tracking of regional activities as this research continues to inform national security and climate studies.