Listening to our Environments: Soundscape Analysis in Geographic Research

Abstract

The study of sound and the soundscape is a burgeoning arena that is taking hold in the fields of earth science research. The sensory experiences of our studies often disregard the sonic elements of our environments. The visual is privileged over the other senses, which means that we miss an important aspect of our surroundings that can participate in our research [1]. I argue that we need to incorporate more of our sensory experiences. I will discuss the history of the field of sound/soundscape research in geography, focusing on the introduction of sound studies into cultural geography. I will explore the development of sound studies into various branches of geography and the new methods that are being utilized for studying ecosystems, specifically marine ecosystems. I will conclude with some thoughts on the use of soundscapes to benefit our research and its usefulness in our future endeavors.