Factors that effect sound waves in water?

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SUMMARY

Sound waves in ocean water can yield inaccurate results due to factors such as salt density and temperature variations. The discussion highlights that regions with differing water densities can cause refraction, leading to sound waves being deflected off course. Specific scenarios include layers of fresher or warmer water and the influence of rivers emptying into the ocean. Understanding these factors is crucial for accurate underwater acoustics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of sound wave propagation in fluids
  • Knowledge of oceanographic principles, specifically salt density
  • Familiarity with temperature gradients in marine environments
  • Basic concepts of refraction in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the impact of salt density on sound wave speed in seawater
  • Study temperature profiles in ocean water and their effects on acoustics
  • Explore the principles of refraction as applied to underwater sound propagation
  • Investigate the influence of freshwater influx from rivers on ocean sound waves
USEFUL FOR

Marine scientists, oceanographers, acoustics researchers, and anyone involved in underwater sound analysis will benefit from this discussion.

Josh03
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1. For this question, I need to explain why sound waves emitted into ocean water sometimes fail to give accurate results.
2.I have thought about, the salt density and the waves traveling through different water temperatures, but need to expand on these two ideas and don't understand it enough to do so. If anyone could explain these ideas a little more, I would be very grateful. :smile:
 
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I think regions of differing densities might deflect the sound (refraction) off course. You might have a layer of fresher or warmer water, or a channel of such where it emerges from under the sea, or a river emptying into the ocean. Just guessing.
 

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