Have you noticed how birds’ songs or the sound of a gentle stream can instantly calm your mind? Our surroundings are constantly disturbed by an infinite number of vibrations, creating a symphony that affects us in ways that we might not even realize.
Vibrations perturb air particles, causing sound waves. Since our bodies are primarily composed of water, these sequences of perturbations can affect us both positively and negatively. If the frequency is between 20 Hz and 20 kHz, it falls within our audible range and is converted into electric signals by our eardrums, becoming emotional triggers. Musicians explore these properties to create connections with their audience.
Listening to natural soundscapes can reduce stress, lower heart rate, improve mood, boost cognitive function and even reduce pain. Meditation is known for amplifying this connection by analyzing and tuning into the universe’s vibrations, both within and around the person meditating. In Ontario, we are fortunate to have beautiful bird calls that actively contribute to crafting a natural and healing soundscape.
Environmental sounds also offer valuable insights into biodiversity. Many species are easier to hear than to see. Monitoring these soundscapes can help track biodiversity levels. Studies have shown that changes in soundscapes can indicate shifts in biodiversity, highlighting areas where conservation efforts are needed or where conservation work is making progress.
When creating new materials or artificial machines, we introduce new properties of vibrational interactions into the environment. These new properties can result in noise pollution, altering the natural balance of sound wave transfers. For instance, marine creatures such as whales are particularly impacted by boat noise. In an aquatic environment, sound travels five times faster than in air, and for many species, it becomes more crucial than vision. Not hearing a sound doesn’t mean it doesn’t affect us and our environment.
If we step back from the symphony naturally produced by our planet, we can consider it a well-honed work of art in which every vibration finds its place and resonates with living organisms. By introducing unnatural sounds into this melody, we disrupt this universal balance, affecting the structure of our ecosystem on a global scale. It falls then on humanity to preserve our planet’s soundscape by protecting biodiversity and preventing noise pollution.
The planet is constantly talking to us, and it’s crucial to be listening if we hope to manage our life in harmony with it.
Illian Brasselet-Darracq was a Communications Intern at Ontario Nature who uses his skills in environmental sciences and multimedia to advocate for conservation. Originally from Paris and now based in Toronto, Illian is also an audio engineer seeking to understand the planet's sonic characteristics.
