The Effect of Mechanical Noise and Natural Sound on Visitor Experiences in Units of the National Park System
Gramann J. 1999. The Effect of Mechanical Noise and Natural Sound on Visitor Experiences in Units of the National Park System. NPS Social Science Research Review
This paper reviews research on the effects of mechanical noise and natural sound on visitorexperiences in national parks. Three approaches to studying noise impacts are described. Most noise research to date has addressed the impact of air-tour overflights on visitor experiences. These impacts are localized, with significant percentages of visitors in some parks reporting interference with natural sounds from aircraft noise. Research also shows that unthreatening natural environments can have significant stress-reducing effects for many people. However, it is unclear if these effects are due to hearing the sounds of nature or to a combination of hearing and seeing nature.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Gramann, James
- Date of Issue
- 1999
- Units
- PAIS
- Keywords
- mechanical noise, National Parks, natural quiet, natural sound