How to measure acoustic pressure level under water with a hydrophone?

1. How do you measure acoustic pressure?
2. How does the hydrophone detect the underwater sound?
3. How is underwater noise measured?
4. What is measured when using a hydrophone?

How do you measure acoustic pressure?

It is measured with a Sound Pressure Level Meter, such as the Pulsar Nova. Sound enters the meter through a microphone, and then the meter evaluates the sound values by converting them into electrical information and the measurement values in decibels are displayed.

How does the hydrophone detect the underwater sound?

Just as a microphone collects sound in the air, a hydrophone detects acoustic signals under the water. Most hydrophones are based on a special property of certain ceramics that produces a small electrical current when subjected to changes in underwater pressure.

How is underwater noise measured?

For underwater sounds, a reference pressure of 1 micropascal (µPa) is commonly used to describe sounds in terms of decibels. Therefore, 0 dB on the decibel scale would be a measure of sound pressure of 1 µPa. Sound levels in decibels are calculated on a logarithmic basis.

What is measured when using a hydrophone?

Hydrophones are designed to measure the mechanical sound pressure in water. Most hydrophone sensors are piezoelectric materials which convert mechanical energy to electrical energy.