Researchers tune into Arctic under-ice sounds and test through-ice communication

The Arctic Ocean hosts a diverse collection of sounds, ranging from natural phenomena like cracking sea ice and beluga whales to human-generated noise from shipping vessels. In 2024, researchers from MIT Lincoln Laboratory analyzed data from commercial off-the-shelf sensors deployed as part of the U.S. Navy's Operation Ice Camp (OIC).

During the 2026 OIC, they returned with a more advanced sensor: a geophone capable of detecting vibrations in the sea ice. The group is particularly interested in understanding how underwater sounds propagate through ice and how to differentiate these sounds from other sources. As the Arctic sea ice continues to break and melt, creating new maritime routes, it is crucial to develop predictive capabilities to ensure coastal community resilience, inform strategic decisions, and monitor adversary activity in the region.

The U.S. Department of Defense's priorities for Arctic R&D include enhancing observation, understanding, and prediction of various processes in the Arctic to protect American interests and support the prosperity of Arctic residents. In 2022, Evans and David Whelihan began their efforts to distribute low-cost sensors across the Arctic for continuous monitoring.

Operation Ice Camp, hosted every two years by the Navy's Arctic Submarine Laboratory, provides a unique opportunity for researchers to test prototype equipment in an inhospitable environment. The 2026 OIC faced challenging weather conditions, with blizzards and strong winds delaying flights and testing equipment. Despite these difficulties, the team successfully deployed geophones and tested a magnetic field-based modem capable of communication through ice, funded by industry partner Havguard.