Quiet Down! How Noise Affects Our National Parks
Citation:
Buxton, Rachel T, Megan F McKenna, Daniel Mennitt, Emma Brown, Kurt Fristrup, Kevin R Crooks, Lisa M Angeloni, and George Wittemyer. “Anthropogenic Noise in US National Parks – Sources and Spatial Extent.” Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment 17, no. 10 (2019): 559–64. https://www.jstor.org/stable/26854458.
Summary:
This article examines the issue of anthropogenic noise in US national parks. The authors analyze acoustic recordings from park units and use sound models to determine the extent and sources of noise. They find that noise is audible in 37% of park recordings, with aircraft and road vehicles being the most common sources. The study also explores the impact of noise on park visitors and wildlife and identifies areas where noise management would be most beneficial.
Topics Addressed in This Article:
- What are the most common sources of anthropogenic noise in US national parks?
- How does noise pollution affect wildlife and ecosystems in national parks?
- What are some potential strategies for managing and mitigating noise pollution in national parks?
Report compiled by Brian O’Riley – article summary generated with Humata AI
Too Loud, Too Bright: How Noise and Light Pollution Affects Our National Parks
Citation:
Manning, Robert, Peter Newman, Jesse Barber, Christopher Monz, Jeffrey Hallo, and Steven Lawson. “Principles for Studying and Managing Natural Quiet and Natural Darkness in National Parks and Other Protected Areas.” The George Wright Forum 35, no. 3 (2018): 350–62. https://www.jstor.org/stable/26555036
Summary:
This article emphasizes the importance of studying and managing natural quiet and natural darkness in national parks and protected areas. It discusses the impacts of noise and light pollution on these resources and highlights their value in enhancing the visitor experience. The article also acknowledges the efforts of the National Park Service in recognizing and managing for natural quiet and natural darkness.
Sample Question:
Q: What are some examples of noise and light pollution?
A: Noise pollution refers to unwanted or excessive sound that can have harmful effects on human and animal life. Examples of noise pollution include traffic noise from cars, trucks, airplanes, and trains, construction noise from machinery and equipment, noise from industrial plants and factories, and even loud music from concerts or loudspeakers.
Light pollution, on the other hand, is excessive, misdirected, or obtrusive artificial light. Examples of light pollution include overly bright security lights, street lights that shine light in all directions instead of focusing it downward, light from electronic billboards and advertising, and skyglow, which is the brightening of the night sky over populated areas caused by the cumulative effect of thousands of individual lights.
Both noise and light pollution can have significant impacts on human health and the environment, including disrupting sleep patterns, causing stress, and interfering with the behaviors of wildlife.
Report compiled by Brian O’Riley – article summary generated with Humata AI