How far does sound travel underwater?

AI Thread Summary
Sound travels significantly further underwater than in air due to the higher density of water, which allows for faster sound transmission. The distance sound can travel is influenced by absorption rates; lower absorption results in greater distance. Whales utilize low-frequency sounds that can carry across vast ocean distances, with some claims suggesting communication between whales at opposite poles was possible before motorized ships. The phenomenon of cavitation, where sound waves are so intense they create bubbles in water, further illustrates the power of whale communication. Overall, sound propagation underwater is a complex interplay of speed, absorption, and frequency.
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Hi,
How far does sound travel underwater, and more importantly does it travel further in water than in air? If so why? I know that sound travels faster through water than air for obvious reasons (density), and I intuitively assume further, but I cannot explain why. Any help is appreciated.
Thanks
 
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This is not explanatory, but whales, using very low frequency sound, can communicate across oceans.

KM
 
To expand a little on what Kenneth Mann said, whales can emit sounds so loud they cavitate water. I have heard it suggested that before the days of motorized ships it would have been possible for a whale at the north pole to have been heard by one at the sourth pole.
 
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