sound speed

views updated

sound speed The rate at which sound energy moves through a medium. In sea water this is between 1400 and 1550 m/s. In sea water, the speed of sound is a function of temperature, salinity, and pressure due to depth. At a salinity of 34.85 parts per thousand and a temperature of 0°C, the speed of sound is 1445 m/s. It increases by approximately 4 m/s for each degree Celsius rise in temperature, by 1.5 m/s for each 1 part per thousand increase in salinity, and by 18 m/s for each 1000 m increase in depth.

More From encyclopedia.com