About
DISKO LIVE!
Photos by Christian Klindt Sølbæk; Illustrations by Claus Rye
Understanding the Arctic with DISKO Live!
The Arctic has also become more accessible to human activities due to loss of sea-ice. One of these activities is increased shipping activity which is making the sea noisier. Since all marine mammals use sound for orientation, communication, and some for foraging, it is important to understand how rising background noise levels can disturb marine life.
Connecting Science and Society
DISKO Live is a project that aims to connect research with the public. By streaming the underwater sounds of Disko Bay, the project offers a new way for people around the world to connect with the Arctic's distant marine environment. We hope that the sounds you hear will both amaze and intrigue your curiosity.
Step-by-Step
Installation
Preparation & Transport
Equipment for the installation are gathered in Qeqertarsuaq on Disko Island. After final checks of the software and setup, the cabled hydrophone and computer for recording and streaming, are transported to the site at Qaqqaliaq. Qaqqaliaq is a 80 m tall cliff at the southern tip of Qeqertarsuaq with a fantastic view over Disko Bay.
Deployment
Deploying cabled hydrophone into the sea in the Arctic is not easy! The cliffs are steep and slippery and every step needs to be taken with care. The 120 m long cable to the hydrophone is made extra strong in order to endure massive waves and the crunching power of ice. In addition, the cable is tucked away into crevices in the cliff to add protection. We hope it is going to withstand the harsh environment!
Testing & Recording
Once the hydrophone is in place at the bottom of the sea at 20 m depth, the equipment is tested to ensure it is functioning correctly, and efficiently capturing the sounds of marine life. Recording can now begin.
Data Transmission Setup
System for transmitting the collected data are set up, enabling the continuous streaming of underwater sounds to research centers, natural history exhibitions, and for public access.
What is a hydrophone?
A hydrophone is a specialized type of microphone designed for underwater use. It is used to detect and capture sound waves in aquatic environments. A hydrophone works by converting underwater sound waves into electrical signals that can be processed and analyzed.
The basic design of a hydrophone includes a sensitive transducer element made of piezoelectric materials that generate electrical signals in response to mechanical pressure changes. When underwater sound waves pass through the hydrophone's transducer element, they cause it to vibrate. This mechanical movement generates a small electrical voltage proportional to the pressure changes caused by the sound waves. This voltage signal is then amplified and processed by electronic circuits within the hydrophone. Finally, the processed electrical signal is transmitted to recording equipment.
Hydrophones are tools in various fields such as marine biology, oceanography, and underwater acoustics, allowing researchers to listen to underwater sounds produced by marine animals, geological phenomena, and human activities.
Collaborators of DISKO Live!
Disko Live project is initiated and coordinated by Outi Tervo from Greenland Institute of Natural Resources. It is a collaboration between Qeqertarsuaq town, Visit Greenland, Arctic Station and Danish National Museum of Natural History. The acoustic monitoring station at Qaqqaliaq is designed by Seiche Marine Acoustic Solutions.
Our special thanks for solving problems and finding solutions go to Mads Fage Christoffersen, Chris Pierpoint, Danny Mølgaard, Tarfi Mølgaard, Christian Klindt Sølbæk, Otso Christoffersen, Abel Brandt, Lene Brandt, Mala Broberg, Karl Brandt, Poul Korsgaard, Elisabeth Korsgaard, Finn Steffens, Malinguaq Abelsen, Claus Rye and Filip Gielda.
Funded by:
Collaborators:
Children books about Disko Bay
Vild med Viden 🇩🇰
Do you want to learn more about Disko Bay? A series of eight children’s books written in Danish and Greenlandic by scientists working in Disko Bay, share their knowledge of the nature in Disko Bay - from glacier ice and plankton to fish, seals and whales. You can also read about how whales are studied and how climate change is affecting Disko Bay.
DISKO LIVE!
About
DISKO Live! project, captures the Arctic underwater soundscape in Disko Bay, Greenland, providing insights into marine mammal behaviour, ambient noise levels and climate change effects. This collaborative project combines scientific research with public outreach.
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