There have been some studies done on infrasound, in general and in relation to that generated by wind turbines. Summaries presented below seem to not address what we suspect could be human 'dread' responses to infrasound: however, the frequency levels of infrasound of interest to us may not be generated by ethical human studies (Hitler allegedly trialled sound as a weapon on German troops).
But first, some relatively innocuous effects of infrasound exposure...
1. Physiological and Psychological Effects of Infrasound on Humans
Henrik Møller
First Published March 1, 1984 Research Article
Abstract
Sixteen subjects were exposed for three hours to inaudible infrasound, audible infrasound, traffic noise and a quiet control condition, while they performed various psychological tasks. Some cardiovascular and hearing parameters were recorded and after the experiments the subjects answered a questionnaire concerning their experiences during the noise exposure.
The most conspicuous effect of infrasound was a high rating of annoyance and a feeling of pressure on the ear at less than 20 dB above the threshold of hearing. No influence on the cardiovascular system was seen and the performance only deteriorated in one of nine tasks. Infrasound below the threshold had no effect.
2. Infrasound From Wind Turbines Could Affect Humans
Alec N. Salt, James A. Kaltenbach, Alec N. Salt, ...
First Published July 19, 2011 Research Article
Abstract
Wind turbines generate low-frequency sounds that affect the ear. The ear is superficially similar to a microphone, converting mechanical sound waves into electrical signals, but does this by complex physiologic processes. Serious misconceptions about low-frequency sound and the ear have resulted from a failure to consider in detail how the ear works. Although the cells that provide hearing are insensitive to infrasound, other sensory cells in the ear are much more sensitive, which can be demonstrated by electrical recordings.
Responses to infrasound reach the brain through pathways that do not involve conscious hearing but instead may produce sensations of fullness, pressure or tinnitus, or have no sensation. Activation of subconscious pathways by infrasound could disturb sleep. Based on our current knowledge of how the ear works, it is quite possible that low-frequency sounds at the levels generated by wind turbines could affect those living nearby.
3. Title : The Effects of High Level Infrasound (Not terribly relevant, but worth a read purely on the space mission aspect)
Corporate Author : AIR FORCE AEROSPACE MEDICAL RESEARCH LAB WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OH
Personal Author(s) : Johnson, Daniel L.
Abstract
This paper will attempt to survey the current knowledge on the effects of relative high levels of infrasound on humans. While this conference is concerned mainly about hearing, some discussion of other physiological effects is appropriate. Such discussion also serves to highlight a basic question, 'Is hearing the main concern of infrasound and low frequency exposure, or is there a more sensitive mechanism?'. It would be comforting to know that the focal point of this conference is indeed the most important concern. Therefore, besides hearing loss and auditory threshold of infrasonic and low frequency exposure, four other effects will be provided. These are performance, respiration, annoyance, and vibration.
Read it here: http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?Lo ... =ADA081792
Now we're getting further in...
4.
http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10. ... 2041456828
Results were interesting: "Psychological Effects of Infrasound
By analyzing their answers we found: All the subjects felt uncomfortable and 8 persons said they had experienced the same feelings as travelling on vehicles or trains, two of them said they had experienced this feeling elsewhere. No one felt
nauseated or carsick. Nine of them felt pressure in their ears.
Six persons felt headachy and fretful. Five people felt tired and troubled in this room.
But now, let's get to the crux of things....
5. High-Intensity Acoustics for Military Nonlethal Applications
http://search.proquest.com/openview/436 ... r&cbl=7561
Of most interest:
This is a good read and one of my faves - lots here on nausea and fear responses. If you only read one thing, make it this one:
6. Sonic Warfare: Sound, Affect and the Ecology of Fear
https://books.google.com.au/books?hl=en ... ar&f=false
If our hairy folk are capable with their massive lungs and chest structure, of creating tones such as those described, you may assume, as I do, that infrasound is devastatingly effective at getting pesky humans to shove off, pronto.
What some may attribute to paranormal aspects, I'm a believer in accepting there are as yet poorly understood responses to sound of natural but non-human origins. Interpret that as you may
Happy reading
Shazz