The soundscapes of lakes across an urbanization gradient

Background/Methodology: A significant implication of increasing urbanization is anthropogenic noise pollution. Although noise is strongly associated with disruption of animal communication systems and negative health effects for humans, the study of these consequences at ecologically relevant spatial and temporal scales (termed ‘soundscape ecology’) is in early stages of application. In this study, we examined the above- and below-water soundscape of recreational and residential lakes in the region surrounding a large metropolitan area. Using univariate and multivariate approaches we test the importance of large- and local-scale landscape factors in driving acoustic characteristics across an urbanization gradient, and visualize changes in the soundscape over space and time. Principal Findings: Anthropogenic noise (‘anthrophony’) was strongly predicted by a landcover-based metric of urbanization (within a 10 km radius of the lake), with presence of a public park as a secondary influence;...