Researchers discover it's noisy under the ocean

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Oceanographers working to discover the sounds of the deepest-known area of the Earth's oceans say they're surprised after hearing a variety of noises in what should be one of the quietest places in the water.

The Oregonian reports (http://goo.gl/i6vzYd ) the research team from Oregon State University's Hatfield Marine Science Center sent a hydrophone into the Pacific Ocean's Mariana Trench about seven miles below the ocean's surface. In the audio recordings, researchers were able to identify earthquakes, whales moaning, a typhoon and ship traffic.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration oceanographer Robert Dziak, who pitched the $100,000 project, says the team was surprised by the clarity of the sounds and how much noise was recorded.

Researchers are trying to learn more about the sounds of the ocean and their potential impact on marine ecosystems.

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