The contrasting soundscapes across the United States have been vividly illustrated by a recent “noise map” released by the National Park Service. This map, unveiled at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in California, details average sound levels on a typical summer day, derived from over 1.5 million hours of acoustic monitoring.
Unsurprisingly, New York City emerged as the loudest area in the nation, while Dinosaur National Monument in Colorado claimed the title of the quietest spot (shhhhh…). The National Park Service aims to utilize this map to understand how varying sound levels impact wildlife. Notably, even in the absence of human activity, the eastern regions of the U.S. tend to be noisier than their western counterparts, largely due to the sounds of flowing rivers and swaying vegetation.
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In summary, the National Park Service’s noise map highlights the stark differences in sound levels across the United States, serving as a valuable tool for understanding environmental impacts on wildlife. While urban areas like New York City are bustling with noise, peaceful locations such as Dinosaur National Monument offer a stark contrast, demonstrating the diverse acoustic landscape of the country.