How far does sound travel underwater?

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SUMMARY

Sound travels significantly further underwater than in air due to lower absorption rates in water. The density of water allows sound to travel faster, which contributes to this phenomenon. Whales utilize low-frequency sounds that can travel vast distances, potentially allowing communication across oceans. Historical accounts suggest that whales could have communicated over polar distances before the advent of motorized ships.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of sound wave propagation
  • Knowledge of acoustic absorption principles
  • Familiarity with marine biology, specifically cetacean communication
  • Basic physics concepts related to density and sound speed
NEXT STEPS
  • Research acoustic absorption in seawater using the NPL guide
  • Explore the physics of sound wave propagation in different mediums
  • Investigate the communication methods of whales and other marine mammals
  • Study the historical context of marine navigation and sound communication
USEFUL FOR

Marine biologists, acoustics researchers, oceanographers, and anyone interested in underwater sound dynamics and cetacean communication.

hennas
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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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