Contribution

⟹ Sound recordist

Soundscapes are the rich tapestry of sounds found in different ecosystems around the world. Three elements form soundscapes; biophony (sounds created by organisms), geophony (non-biological ambient sound) and anthrophony (sounds created by humans) [1].

Soundscape ecology is inextricably linked to landscape ecology. Anthropological modification of landscapes and human activities (producing anthrophony), all have a direct effect on behaviour, distribution and abundance of species, on both a temporal and spatial level. This can change a soundscape’s biophony [2, 3, 4]. Interwoven into this soundscape tapistry are changes to geophonic sounds caused by climatic modification. 

Soundscapes are formed from their geographical location and by listening we can infer temporal and spatial patterns, identify biological and anthropological patterns and see how disturbance alters these processes and patterns [5]. 

This is a field I’ve become increasingly interested in and what particularly compels me, is how soundscapes could act as a proxy for biodiversity measurement [6]. Below are various soundscape recordings with their temporal and spatial information*. Soundscapes don’t just provide us data, they also can be deeply cultural, therapeutic and inspirational [7]. This library of soundscapes is intended as an educational resource as well as a springboard for others who may become interested in soundscape ecology.

*Animations are waveforms created in Adobe After Effects and do not convey the same three dimensions of sound as a traditional spectrogram (time, frequency and energy)

[1] Krause B. 1987. Bioacoustics, habitat ambience in ecological balance. Whole Earth Review 57: 14–18. 

[2] Liu J, et al. 2007. Complexity of coupled human and natural systems. Science 317: 1513–1516. 

[3] Barber JR, Crooks KR, Fristrup KM. 2010. The costs of chronic noise exposure for terrestrial organisms. Trends in Ecology and Evolution 25: 180–189.

[4] Slabbekoorn H, Peet M. 2003. Birds sing at higher pitch in urban noise. Nature 424: 267. 

[5] Wrightson K. 2000. An introduction to acoustic ecology. Soundscape: The Journal of Acoustic Ecology 1: 10–13. 

[6] Bryan C, et al. 2011 Soundscape Ecology: The Science of Sound in the Landscape.  BioScience, 61: 3 203-216

[7] Rolston H. 1988. Environmental Ethics: Duties to and Values in the Natural World. Temple University Press.

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