Noise source level density due to surf - part 2: Duck, NC

Ambient noise measurements collected off the coast of Duck, NC, were used in conjunction with modeled transmission loss (TL) and estimated ambient noise due to wave-breaking to generate estimates of spectral source level densities (per meter of surf zone) of surf-generated ambient noise. Estimates of both continuous (local) and discrete (distant) components of noise intensity due to breaking waves were subtracted from the total measured noise field in order to determine the contribution of the noise from the surf zone. Data for two days, representing high sea-state conditions, are presented. Estimated noise source level densities for heavy surf at Duck, NC, varied from 120 to 125 dB re 1 mu Pa/Hz super(1/2)/m at 200 Hz to 90-100 dB re 1 mu Pa/Hz super(1/2)/m at 900 Hz, with a slope of -5 dB per octave. Results compare well with previous surf noise studies conducted in Monterey Bay as reported in the companion paper by Wilson et al..