Effect of Age-Dependent Forest Characteristics on Acoustic Propagation

摘要

This report contains the results of a theoretical study on the impact of forest stand age on acoustic propagation. A red pine forest was simulated at 10, 20, 30, 40, and 80 years of age, with assumptions that it was being maintained for utility pole harvest. Forest parameters, such as density, height, and diameter of trees, were used to predict vertical sound speed profiles and then acoustic propagation. The resulting spectra were weighted to simulate artillery and rifle fire. Spectra and sound exposure levels were examined to determine whether the forest stand age has s significant impact on acoustic propagation within a forest.