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Acoustic Models of Sound Production and Propagation

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Hearing by Whales and Dolphins

Abstract

Acoustic models based on physics and mathematics may yield significant advances in the understanding of sound production, propagation, and interaction associated with whales and dolphins. Models can be used to estimate the limits of intensity and frequency that are physically possible given the anatomy of a species. Models can also tell us what kind of anatomical structures would be necessary in order to produce sound having specific characteristics. Models can be used to clarify what type of measurements should be performed to answer specific questions. Many areas of bioacoustics stand to benefit from simulation of sound propagation through biological tissues and the media surrounding them. However, accurate modeling of biological subjects with complex anatomical features is extremely challenging, and few modern studies exist of sound production and propagation in whales and dolphins.

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Aroyan, J.L. et al. (2000). Acoustic Models of Sound Production and Propagation. In: Au, W.W.L., Fay, R.R., Popper, A.N. (eds) Hearing by Whales and Dolphins. Springer Handbook of Auditory Research, vol 12. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-1150-1_10

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