Biography
Eoghan is a PhD researcher within the Marine Geoscience area of iCRAG. Graduating with a BSc in Earth & Ocean Sciences at NUIG in 2016 he joined iCRAG in January 2017 under the supervision of Dr. Martin White. Eoghan’s aim is to evaluate controls on acoustic noise propagation across the Irish continental margin. His research will utilise acoustic modelling, mostly of offshore seismic surveys, alongside hydrographic models and study of topography. Identifying acoustic hotspots may help inform industry on limiting environmental noise pollution while on survey. General research interests include physical ocean processes across the Irish continental margin.
Offshore seismic survey ships use loud bangs from airguns to study the rock geology below the ocean seabed. Likewise, ships passing or underwater construction works generate loud noises in the water. My research involves studying how these noises and other background noise behave in the ocean. For example, how they might affect marine mammals. Using sound measurements and computer models, I hope to inform industry on where is safe, or maybe not so safe, to make loud sounds in the water. This will help marine based companies address their own environmental concerns and align with today’s maritime regulations.
Project title: Evaluating controls of acoustic noise propagation across the continental margin
Technical description
This project plans to merge in-situ and modelled acoustic and hydrographic data in order to understand how sound travels across, and changes character around, the Irish continental margin. Using pre-existing industry data, dedicated acoustic surveys and utilising the optimum acoustic and hydrographic models available, will allow for a generalised hydro-acoustic model to be built for the region. This will constrain and quantify the processes and controls on acoustic sound propagation, especially anthropogenic noise pollution, across the continental margin and onto shallower shelf seas. Noise from offshore seismic surveys, drilling and ships passage, for example, will be investigated along with other natural and anthropogenic background noise. Identifying acoustic ‘hotspots’ and linking noise propagation from deep ocean, across slope to shelf seas, may assist industry in mitigating against unnecessary environmental impacts with respect to Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and the Marine Framework Directive (MFD).
Role
- Postgraduate Researcher
Institution
- NUIG
Research Area
- Earth System Change
Expertise
- Geomarine Environment
