Infrasound (subsonic) - definition

Infrasounds are acoustic waves with frequencies lower than the lower limit of hearing of the human ear, i.e. below 20 Hz. Although they are not perceived consciously as sound, their presence can be felt by the body in the form of vibrations, oscillations or subjective discomfort. Infrasound waves have the ability to propagate through the air for long periods of time and to penetrate various media, making them particularly important in many fields of science and technology.

Infrasound sources can be natural or artificial. In nature, they are produced by geophysical phenomena such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, storms, sea waves or tectonic movements. They are also produced by some animals, e.g. elephants, as a form of long-distance communication. In the technical environment, infrasound is generated by mechanical equipment, wind turbines, internal combustion engines, industrial fans or high-speed trains.

From a physical point of view, infrasound is a longitudinal wave whose length can reach hundreds of metres, which affects its ability to propagate over long distances with minimal attenuation. Their detection and analysis require specialised detectors with high sensitivity and precision. In engineering applications, they are used in structure monitoring, natural disaster detection systems and in geophysics for the study of the Earth's interior, among others.

Due to the possible impact of infrasound on human health and wellbeing, research is being conducted into its biological effects. Although short-term exposure usually does not cause lasting effects, long-term exposure can lead to symptoms such as headaches, feelings of restlessness, fatigue or imbalance. Consequently, standards and regulations for infrasound levels in working environments and public spaces are of interest to acoustic hygiene and safety institutions.

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