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Chapter 5: Ambient Bubble Acoustics -Seep, Rain and Wave Noise
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  • Ben Roche,
  • Timothy G Leighton,
  • Paul White,
  • Jonathan M Bull
Ben Roche
University of Southampton

Corresponding Author:bjr1e21@soton.ac.uk

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Timothy G Leighton
University of Southampton
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Paul White
University of Southampton
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Jonathan M Bull
University of Southampton
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Abstract

This chapter discusses the sounds emitted by gas bubbles when they are generated underwater. Here we define bubbles to be volumes of gas, surrounded by liquid (here, taken to be water), having surface tension forces (the so-called Laplace pressure) generated by a single wall, and so are distinguished from the soap bubbles familiar in children’s games, where the volume of gas is surrounded by two gas/liquid boundaries1. In comparison with other acoustic sources, such as marine mammals, ships and tectonic events, a single bubble may seem insignificant. Indeed, without ideal conditions it can be difficult to observe the sound of a single bubble from a distance of more than a few tens of centimetres. However, natural processes rarely produce single bubbles, and in fact can generate them in their millions at which point the sound generation is significant. With the formation of bubbles as a result of gas seeps, rainfall and breaking waves being a major component of ambient noise in the marine environment and can even alter the propagation of sound waves from other sources. This chapter focuses on the passive emissions of bubbles as they are formed, released, or injected into water, and here the volume pulsations are linear. In this chapter we will discuss the mechanics behind an individual bubble’s acoustic signature, in particular the Minnaert equation and other relevant properties, before discussing the formation of bubbles from subsurface gas migration, rainfall and wave action, characterizing the acoustic nature of each process. The primary focus will be on the sound resulting from bubble generation from each of these sources. A number of different units are used to define each acoustic source, while this may appear confusing and make direct comparison difficult, this is done to be consistent with the literature. The topics covered here are broad, so the approach taken is to summarise the key principles and state of the field, while providing substantial linkage to the literature.
28 Feb 2024Published in Noisy Oceans on pages 161-182. 10.1002/9781119750925.ch10