Abstract: Based on the normal mode theory, we establish an underwater noise intensity formula to solve the problem of inhomogeneous distributed surface noise sources, in which the surface-generated ambient noise model and source intensity model of wind-generated noise are applied. The formula characterizes the relationship between the noise intensity and the surface wind speed, and solution of the key parameters in the formula is provided. By analyzing the experimental data of underwater ambient noise intensity with the proposed formula, we inverse the surface wind speed in the corresponding time period. The inversion result is reasonably consistent with the typhoon forecast issued by typhoon centers, which confirms our model.