Test experiments with distributed acoustic sensing and hydrophone arrays for locating underwater sound sources

Abstract

Whales and dolphins rely on sound for navigation and communication, making them an intriguing subject for studying language evolution. Traditional hydrophone arrays have been used to record their acoustic behavior, but optical fibers have emerged as a promising alternative. This study explores the use of distributed acoustic sensing (DAS), a technique that detects local stress in optical fibers, for underwater sound recording. An experiment was conducted in Lake Zurich, where a fiber-optic cable and a self-made hydrophone array were deployed. A test signal was broadcasted at various locations, and the resulting data was synchronized and consolidated into files. Analysis revealed distinct frequency responses in the DAS channels and provided insights into sound propagation in the lake. Challenges related to cable sensitivity, sample rate, and broadcast fidelity were identified. This dataset serves as a valuable resource for advancing acoustic sensing techniques in underwater environments, especially for studying marine mammal vocal behavior.