Soil Soundscapes from Seismic Arrays

Our proposed collaboration takes a novel geophysical approach to better understand soil and biotic processes from soundscapes by analyzing the seismic signals that can be readily measured by seismometers and geophones. In this NSF EArly-concept Grants for Exploratory Research (EAGER) funded project, we explore an interdisciplinary frontier for understanding soil processes. We will build capacity through training and integration of disciplines and linking established NSF-funded networks and datasets to understand soil bioturbation processes in a nearby, arid UC Reserve Ecological Research site (Elliott Chaparral Reserve) and an NSFfunded Critical Zone Observatory/Long-Term Ecological Research site: a humid, tropical forest site (Puerto Rico - the Luquillo Critical Zone Observatory). Listening to previously unheard soil soundscapes is a new horizon for interdisciplinary soil research that will facilitate scientific progress and learning opportunities for grant-supported trainees and the public.