Mesa Verde National Park: Acoustic monitoring report

Acoustic monitoring at Mesa Verde National Park identified major noise sources, including vehicles and aircraft in backcountry areas and buildings/vehicles in frontcountry sites. The study established a baseline soundscape inventory using continuous sound pressure level (SPL) measurements, wind speed data, and digital audio recordings over two periods (2015–2016). Key findings include time-audible metrics for noise sources and ambient sound levels, with SPL measured as A-weighted, 1-second averaged values (LAeq, 1s). The research aims to support soundscape management planning by providing indicators and thresholds for acoustic environment protection. Results will also aid future comparative studies on park acoustics.

Job, J. (2021). Mesa Verde National Park: Acoustic monitoring report (, Ed.). National Park Service. https://doi.org/10.36967/nrr-2286703