Danceswithdachshunds, the Navy already aborts the use of sonar if whales are detected nearby. The problem is that the low frequency system being debated has a very long range. Even if the warning was given several hours prior to the test, it wouldn’t be enough time to clear the range of the system.

The sound intensity drops off by factor of the distance cubed. If the intensity is some value ‘X’ at 100 feet; it drops to 1/8 that at 200 feet, 1/27 at 300′, etc.

I didn’t say they should not hear it at all – just get far enough away to avoid an intensity that can cause pain/damage. In one minute most dolphins and even some whales can be a 1/2 mile away. If the emitted sound is 1 GW (!) then the sound energy at 1/2 mile is as low as .08 watts/in^2, (ignoring a reflection from the bottom and surface, etc.)

That looks small to me but then again I have no idea what level is on the threshold of damaging/painful to these animals…

On November 15th, 2008 at 2:25 pm, Danceswithdachshunds said:

Note to Navy:

Marine mammals are among those animals of highest of intelligence and are well known for their ability to learn. If high powered sonar can hurt to them at close range, would it be plausible, (when practical during testing), to precede the high power acoustic emission by several seconds with some standardized low powered signal or code that they would learn to recognize as a warning to them? Ideally, this code or signal could be adopted as an international standard used by all countries to warn marine mammals of impending high acoustic energy of any kind and give them some time to move away.

Additionally, many marine mammals live within socialized groups and communicate with each other. I believe that once a few of a given species learn the warning signal, (especially if it is something that they will be able duplicate themselves), they may even ‘pass the word around’ to others.

If such an idea doesn’t jeopardize Navy security or hamper operational readiness, etc. – I see no harm in trying it.

Danceswithdachshunds, the Navy already aborts the use of sonar if whales are detected nearby. The problem is that the low frequency system being debated has a very long range. Even if the warning was given several hours prior to the test, it wouldn’t be enough time to clear the range of the system.

Marine mammals are among those animals of highest of intelligence and are well known for their ability to learn. If high powered sonar can hurt to them at close range, would it be plausible, (when practical during testing), to precede the high power acoustic emission by several seconds with some standardized low powered signal or code that they would learn to recognize as a warning to them? Ideally, this code or signal could be adopted as an international standard used by all countries to warn marine mammals of impending high acoustic energy of any kind and give them some time to move away.

Additionally, many marine mammals live within socialized groups and communicate with each other. I believe that once a few of a given species learn the warning signal, (especially if it is something that they will be able duplicate themselves), they may even ‘pass the word around’ to others.

If such an idea doesn’t jeopardize Navy security or hamper operational readiness, etc. – I see no harm in trying it.

Well you dont know what goes on in berthing….ummm…well you dont know….uhh never mind… aye chief

On November 13th, 2008 at 9:32 am, cpodug said:

Besides, I seriously doubt if he’d have to raid Doc’s locker, anyhow.

Not to give away any national secrets but on one of my deployments, my chief had us ‘brew’ our own beer. (He passed his 20 on that cruise and just didnt care lol) I dont remember Ensign Pulver being invited.

GSP

GSP – You don’t seem to understand. It’s not proper for a Chief of any rank to offer a drink to a mere Ensign. Besides, I seriously doubt if he’d have to raid Doc’s locker, anyhow. After all, what’s the bottom drawer of a desk for, if not for emergency supplies?