{"id":93,"date":"2025-12-19T09:25:49","date_gmt":"2025-12-19T09:25:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.napier.ac.uk\/imd\/?p=93"},"modified":"2025-12-19T09:25:49","modified_gmt":"2025-12-19T09:25:49","slug":"listening-to-the-mountains-reflections-from-the-pems-study-at-euronoise-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.napier.ac.uk\/imd\/2025\/12\/19\/listening-to-the-mountains-reflections-from-the-pems-study-at-euronoise-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Listening to the Mountains: Reflections from the PEMS Study at Euronoise 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>When we think of mountains, we picture towering peaks, sweeping valleys, and dramatic skies. Yet, at Forum Acusticum \/ Euronoise 2025: 11th Convention of the European Acoustics Association in M\u00e1laga, we explored something less visible but equally powerful: the soundscapes that define these environments. Our paper,\u00a0<em>PEMS: People\u2019s Experience of Mountain Soundscapes<\/em>, presented findings from a global survey of mountaineers and hikers, revealing how sound shapes safety, navigation, and emotional connection in the high places we love.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-94 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.napier.ac.uk\/imd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/182\/2025\/12\/Sound6-copy-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.napier.ac.uk\/imd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/182\/2025\/12\/Sound6-copy-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.napier.ac.uk\/imd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/182\/2025\/12\/Sound6-copy-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.napier.ac.uk\/imd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/182\/2025\/12\/Sound6-copy-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.napier.ac.uk\/imd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/182\/2025\/12\/Sound6-copy-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.napier.ac.uk\/imd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/182\/2025\/12\/Sound6-copy-2048x1152.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/blogs.napier.ac.uk\/imd\/2025\/12\/19\/listening-to-the-mountains-reflections-from-the-pems-study-at-euronoise-2025\/#Why_Soundscapes_Matter_in_the_Mountains\" >Why Soundscapes Matter in the Mountains<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/blogs.napier.ac.uk\/imd\/2025\/12\/19\/listening-to-the-mountains-reflections-from-the-pems-study-at-euronoise-2025\/#The_Study_at_a_Glance\" >The Study at a Glance<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/blogs.napier.ac.uk\/imd\/2025\/12\/19\/listening-to-the-mountains-reflections-from-the-pems-study-at-euronoise-2025\/#How_Participants_Rated_Mountain_Soundscapes\" >How Participants Rated Mountain Soundscapes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/blogs.napier.ac.uk\/imd\/2025\/12\/19\/listening-to-the-mountains-reflections-from-the-pems-study-at-euronoise-2025\/#What_We_Hear_Up_There\" >What We Hear Up There<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/blogs.napier.ac.uk\/imd\/2025\/12\/19\/listening-to-the-mountains-reflections-from-the-pems-study-at-euronoise-2025\/#Soundscapes_as_Navigation_Tools\" >Soundscapes as Navigation Tools<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/blogs.napier.ac.uk\/imd\/2025\/12\/19\/listening-to-the-mountains-reflections-from-the-pems-study-at-euronoise-2025\/#Soundscapes_and_Safety\" >Soundscapes and Safety<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/blogs.napier.ac.uk\/imd\/2025\/12\/19\/listening-to-the-mountains-reflections-from-the-pems-study-at-euronoise-2025\/#Understanding_the_Environment\" >Understanding the Environment<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/blogs.napier.ac.uk\/imd\/2025\/12\/19\/listening-to-the-mountains-reflections-from-the-pems-study-at-euronoise-2025\/#Challenges_and_Disruptions\" >Challenges and Disruptions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/blogs.napier.ac.uk\/imd\/2025\/12\/19\/listening-to-the-mountains-reflections-from-the-pems-study-at-euronoise-2025\/#Looking_Ahead_Technology_and_Conservation\" >Looking Ahead: Technology and Conservation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/blogs.napier.ac.uk\/imd\/2025\/12\/19\/listening-to-the-mountains-reflections-from-the-pems-study-at-euronoise-2025\/#Final_Thoughts\" >Final Thoughts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/blogs.napier.ac.uk\/imd\/2025\/12\/19\/listening-to-the-mountains-reflections-from-the-pems-study-at-euronoise-2025\/#References\" >References<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Soundscapes_Matter_in_the_Mountains\"><\/span>Why Soundscapes Matter in the Mountains<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<p>Mountains are dynamic acoustic environments. Wind whistling through ridges, water cascading down slopes, birds calling across valleys\u2014these sounds are not just aesthetic; they are functional. In low-visibility conditions, auditory cues often become lifelines. Creaking ice can warn of instability, a distant rumble may signal rockfall, and the muffled \u201cwumph\u201d of snow can indicate avalanche risk. These natural signals complement visual information, helping mountaineers make critical decisions.<\/p>\n<p>But soundscapes are more than survival tools. They shape our emotional experience. Participants in our study described feelings of peace, awe, and excitement triggered by natural sounds. Silence itself\u2014often rare in our urbanized lives\u2014was seen as a profound marker of remoteness and fragility.<\/p>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Study_at_a_Glance\"><\/span>The Study at a Glance<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<p>Our research involved\u00a0<strong>219 participants from 27 countries<\/strong>, ranging from casual hillwalkers to seasoned mountaineers. The median age was\u00a0<strong>51<\/strong>, and most reported no hearing loss (88%). Interestingly,\u00a0<strong>17% were audio professionals<\/strong>, adding a unique perspective on acoustic awareness.<\/p>\n<p>Activities varied widely: hiking and hillwalking dominated, but responses also came from climbers, photographers, and even professional bird surveyors. This diversity enriched the dataset, revealing how soundscapes influence both technical and recreational engagement with mountains.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-96 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.napier.ac.uk\/imd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/182\/2025\/12\/Sound1-copy-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.napier.ac.uk\/imd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/182\/2025\/12\/Sound1-copy-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.napier.ac.uk\/imd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/182\/2025\/12\/Sound1-copy-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.napier.ac.uk\/imd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/182\/2025\/12\/Sound1-copy-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.napier.ac.uk\/imd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/182\/2025\/12\/Sound1-copy-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.napier.ac.uk\/imd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/182\/2025\/12\/Sound1-copy-2048x1152.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Participants_Rated_Mountain_Soundscapes\"><\/span>How Participants Rated Mountain Soundscapes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<p>On a scale from 1 (unpleasant) to 5 (pleasant), mountain soundscapes scored a\u00a0<strong>median of 4<\/strong>. Natural sounds\u2014birdsong, wind, running water\u2014were consistently praised for their calming and immersive qualities. These elements fostered a sense of connection to nature and offered psychological restoration.<\/p>\n<p>Conversely, human-made noise was the villain of the story. Traffic, aircraft, and overcrowding were repeatedly cited as disruptive, masking natural cues and eroding the sense of wilderness. Overcrowding and biodiversity loss were also mentioned as factors diminishing acoustic richness.<\/p>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_We_Hear_Up_There\"><\/span>What We Hear Up There<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<p>The most frequently reported sounds were\u00a0<strong>wind, birds, and water<\/strong>, each with a median frequency of 4 on a 1\u20135 scale. These were also among the highest-rated, with birds and water achieving a median rating of 5. Silence and wildlife sounds followed closely, reinforcing their value in creating tranquil, restorative experiences.<\/p>\n<p>On the other end of the spectrum,\u00a0<strong>traffic noise<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<strong>rockfall<\/strong>\u00a0were least frequent and least appreciated. While rockfall is a natural phenomenon, its association with danger explains its lower rating (median 3). Traffic noise, unsurprisingly, scored just 1\u2014an unwelcome reminder of human intrusion.<\/p>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Soundscapes_as_Navigation_Tools\"><\/span>Soundscapes as Navigation Tools<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<p>One of the most striking findings was the role of sound in navigation.\u00a0<strong>169 participants<\/strong>\u00a0said they used auditory cues to orient themselves. Examples included following the sound of rivers during foggy conditions or using wind direction to estimate proximity to ridges. In some cases, anthropogenic sounds\u2014voices, distant traffic\u2014helped locate groups or roads when visibility was poor.<\/p>\n<p>Real-life anecdotes brought this to life. One participant recalled a misty fell race in the Duddon Valley, where the sound of a river guided them to a checkpoint. Another described navigating thick fog by listening for flowing water, confirming their position when visual cues failed.<\/p>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Soundscapes_and_Safety\"><\/span>Soundscapes and Safety<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<p>Safety was another domain where sound proved indispensable.\u00a0<strong>189 participants<\/strong>\u00a0reported using auditory information for risk assessment. Wind intensity often signaled exposure or approaching storms. Creaking snow and groaning ice warned of instability, while the distinctive \u201cwumph\u201d indicated potential avalanche conditions. Rockfalls and rushing streams also served as hazard indicators, influencing route choices.<\/p>\n<p>Group communication emerged as a critical safety factor. Hearing teammates\u2019 voices in poor visibility or during emergencies reinforced collective awareness and coordination.<\/p>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Understanding_the_Environment\"><\/span>Understanding the Environment<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<p>Beyond navigation and safety, soundscapes deepen environmental understanding.\u00a0<strong>193 participants<\/strong>\u00a0said sound helped them interpret surroundings. Water sounds revealed terrain features, while wildlife calls highlighted biodiversity. Silence itself conveyed remoteness and fragility, amplifying the sense of solitude and connection to nature.<\/p>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Challenges_and_Disruptions\"><\/span>Challenges and Disruptions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<p>While natural sounds were celebrated, anthropogenic noise was a recurring frustration. Traffic, aircraft, and drone activity were seen as intrusive, masking vital cues and diminishing the immersive experience. Overcrowding compounded the issue, introducing chatter and mechanical noise into spaces once defined by tranquillity.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-98 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.napier.ac.uk\/imd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/182\/2025\/12\/Sound5-copy-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.napier.ac.uk\/imd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/182\/2025\/12\/Sound5-copy-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.napier.ac.uk\/imd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/182\/2025\/12\/Sound5-copy-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.napier.ac.uk\/imd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/182\/2025\/12\/Sound5-copy-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.napier.ac.uk\/imd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/182\/2025\/12\/Sound5-copy-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.napier.ac.uk\/imd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/182\/2025\/12\/Sound5-copy-2048x1152.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Looking_Ahead_Technology_and_Conservation\"><\/span>Looking Ahead: Technology and Conservation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<p>Our findings underscore the need to preserve natural soundscapes\u2014not just for ecological integrity but for human experience and safety. Future research should explore:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Inclusive design<\/strong>\u00a0for individuals with hearing impairments.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Longitudinal studies<\/strong>\u00a0on climate change and biodiversity loss impacts on acoustic environments.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Technological integration<\/strong>, such as AI and AR tools that amplify natural cues for navigation and hazard detection.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Public education<\/strong>\u00a0initiatives to raise awareness about noise pollution in mountain regions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Imagine wearable devices that isolate critical sounds\u2014like creaking ice or distant water\u2014while filtering out disruptive noise. Or interactive soundscape maps that help hikers anticipate acoustic conditions along their route. These innovations could transform how we engage with mountains, blending tradition with technology.<\/p>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_Thoughts\"><\/span>Final Thoughts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<p>Presenting this work at Euronoise 2025 was a reminder that mountains speak\u2014and we need to listen. Soundscapes are not passive backdrops; they are active, dynamic systems that inform, protect, and inspire. As human activity expands into remote areas, safeguarding these acoustic environments becomes as urgent as preserving the visual landscapes we so admire.<\/p>\n<p>The next time you venture into the hills, pause and tune in. The wind, the water, the silence\u2014they\u2019re telling you a story. And if our research has shown anything, it\u2019s that listening can make the difference between awe and danger, serenity and stress.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"References\"><\/span>References<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<p>Donato, B. D., &amp; Mcgregor, I. (2025, June 23-26). PEMS: Peoples Experience Of Mountain Soundscapes. Forum Acusticum \/ Euronoise 2025: 11th Convention of the European Acoustics Association, M\u00e1laga, Spain. https:\/\/euracoustics.org\/conferences\/forum-acusticum\/<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Author &#8211; Dr Balandino Di Donato<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-95\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.napier.ac.uk\/imd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/182\/2025\/12\/Sound3-copy-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.napier.ac.uk\/imd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/182\/2025\/12\/Sound3-copy-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.napier.ac.uk\/imd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/182\/2025\/12\/Sound3-copy-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.napier.ac.uk\/imd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/182\/2025\/12\/Sound3-copy-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.napier.ac.uk\/imd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/182\/2025\/12\/Sound3-copy-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.napier.ac.uk\/imd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/182\/2025\/12\/Sound3-copy-2048x1152.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When we think of mountains, we picture towering peaks, sweeping valleys, and dramatic skies. Yet, at Forum Acusticum \/ Euronoise 2025: 11th Convention of the European Acoustics Association in M\u00e1laga, we explored something less visible but equally powerful: the soundscapes that define these environments. Our paper,\u00a0PEMS: People\u2019s Experience of Mountain Soundscapes, presented findings from a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":470,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_crdt_document":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[27,28,24,12],"class_list":["post-93","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-research-project","tag-edinburghnapieruniversity","tag-mountaineering","tag-sounddesign","tag-soundscapes"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Listening to the Mountains: Reflections from the PEMS Study at Euronoise 2025 - Interactive Media Design<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/blogs.napier.ac.uk\/imd\/2025\/12\/19\/listening-to-the-mountains-reflections-from-the-pems-study-at-euronoise-2025\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Listening to the Mountains: Reflections from the PEMS Study at Euronoise 2025 - Interactive Media Design\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"When we think of mountains, we picture towering peaks, sweeping valleys, and dramatic skies. Yet, at Forum Acusticum \/ Euronoise 2025: 11th Convention of the European Acoustics Association in M\u00e1laga, we explored something less visible but equally powerful: the soundscapes that define these environments. 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