What Does Wilderness Sound Like?When visiting Denali, an initial impression for many people is the scale -- vast scenery that makes you feel tiny by comparison. But what does it sound like? Denali's soundscape program aims to answer that question. Each year for over a decade, scientists place listening stations throughout the park, recording natural -- and human-made -- sounds. A sample of that data can be explored in the map below. The small dots represent sound stations, and clicking gives you a summary of what that station learned. The larger, yellow dots also represent sound stations, and they contain a recording captured at that station. ![]() NPS Photo
Different habitats have specific soundscape characteristics that are an important attribute of the natural system, with distinct impacts on the human perception of the environment. Soundscape Inventory and Monitoring ProgramAn important component of the National Park Service mission is to preserve and/or restore the natural soundscapes within national parks. Because the soundscape of Denali National Park and Preserve is becoming increasingly impacted by human-generated noise, a soundscape inventory and monitoring program is underway at the park. Park scientists are systematically documenting natural and human-generated sounds at numerous locations throughout the park including high in the mountains, on glaciers, along rivers, in remote areas, and along the park road. Currently, park staff sample acoustic conditions at as many as 8 new locations per year in an effort to inventory the soundscape of the entire park and investigate areas of special management concern. Automated sound monitoring stations are deployed and collect continuous data for one month, which scientists then analyze and use to compile a representative acoustic profile for that location. This includes the frequency, distribution, and intensity of naturally occurring, as well as human-generated sounds. Learn more about natural sounds and soundscapes across the national parks. Collected DataAutomated sound monitoring stations collect several types of data which allow for the characterization of soundscape conditions. Continuous audio recordings are stored and later played back to a human listener, who identifies what sounds are audible. Sound pressure levels are logged once a second, 24 hours per day, and provide a calibrated measurement of the amount of acoustical energy present at all times. Meteorological data are also stored to ensure measurements are made under appropriate atmospheric conditions. In depth analysis and discussion of acoustic data collected in Denali National Park can be found in the following annual program reports:
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Last updated: November 6, 2019