New underwater noise monitoring system and real-time estimation of noise propagation in the marine environment
Mathematical model
Several parameters are measured-and-sent in real time and processed through a complex algorithm, creating a sound propagation model within the marine environment
Dashboard
CORMA system allows to verify the underwater noise levels in a marine environment and to identify the position of large ships crossing that area in almost real time
Marine sensors
Using a network of sensors, the system allows measuring marine noise levels in real time and to validate the estimated mathematical model of sound propagation
UNDERWATER NOISE
LISTENING MEASURING UNDERSTANDING OBSERVING MITIGATING PREVENTING
The underwater environment is plenty of sounds that play a fundamental role for the entire ecosystem and are used by marine species to feed, protect, reproduce and orient themselves.
To understand in which way and how much the human impact can be harmful to marine life, the scientific community needs to gather a large amount of data in real time.
The typical way to collect data is quite slow and expensive.
We need a new method.
Thinking the underwater environment as a place almost devoid of any sound is very common but actually several sources, such as wave motion, rain, marine organisms, seabed settlings …, disturb underwater quietness.
THE PLACE WE STARTED FROM
STRENGHTS
Replicability
Thanks to the mathematical model of noise propagation and the collection of direct measurement for its validation by some hydrophones, the CORMA operating prototype covers an area of over 500 square kilometers. The system can be installed in any sensitive marine area, such as a large port or a natural area
Mathematical Model
Several parameters are elaborated by a complex algorithm, which considers many variables such as depth, seabed type and noise generated by the transit of great ships, and produces a noise propagation scenario in a specific marine area
Data Transmission
The classical methods include spot monitoring campaigns or the installation of hydrophones in immersion for a certain period, even for few months. These approaches are definitely effective, but with clear limitations. Our idea is to develop low cost devices able to gather and transmit sound data in real time, using 4-5G modems
Eco-sustainability
CORMA is designed to be housed on buoys, it has extremely low power consumption and it is powered by existing voltage or solar panels
Low cost
CORMA’s devices are designed to be operational 24 hours a day for 365 days per year and do not require special maintenance once placed under the sea. The costs are particularly low because they are realized with a mix of hardware and technologies already well - established
Modularity
The technological set, which sets up the remote measuring unit, is composed by a high-performance modem-router using GPS and Wi Fi technologies, and offers the possibility to install other sensors on board, for example pH, salinity and oxygen meters, anemometers, webcams and so on
Real time data
An almost real-time data remote streaming is a big step forward in underwater noise measurement and monitoring. Collecting data at very high temporal scale will allow in-depth analysis useful to strengthen decision-making abilities to mitigate environmental impact
Scalability
Considering the nature of sound transmission under water and that a single hydrophone can cover a considerable area, we foresee to install a set of sensors near the most sensitive points of Italian coasts. Taking advantage of a mathematical model to predict noise propagation, a surveillance system of the acoustic space will be created for large parts of the Italian marine environment
Press & Media
Radio Rai interview
http://www.corma.info/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Corma-intervista-radar-radio-rai.mp4
How to mitigate/reduce marine noise
https://ilpiccolo.gelocal.it/trieste/cronaca/2019/05/10/news/come-mitigare-il-rumore-marino-causato-dalle-navi-1.31424328
Sponsor
Partners
