Speed of Sound in Seawater Calculator

This calculator determines the speed of sound in seawater based on temperature, salinity, and pressure. It's useful for oceanographic studies, sonar applications, and underwater acoustics research.

Input Parameters

Calculation Results

Calculation Formula

c = 1449.2 + 4.6*T - 0.055*T² + 0.00029*T³ + 1.34*(S-35) + 0.1*P/10

Where:
c = speed of sound in seawater (m/s)
T = temperature (°C)
S = salinity (PSU)
P = pressure (dbar)

Result

Speed of sound: -- m/s

Speed of Sound in Seawater Calculator Usage Guide

Learn how to use the Speed of Sound in Seawater Calculator and its working principles

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Enter the temperature of the seawater in degrees Celsius (°C).
  2. Enter the salinity of the seawater in Practical Salinity Units (PSU).
  3. Enter the pressure of the seawater in decibars (dbar).
  4. Click the "Calculate" button to compute the speed of sound in the seawater.
  5. The result will be displayed in meters per second (m/s).

Understanding the Formula

The calculator uses the following empirical formula to calculate the speed of sound in seawater:

c = 1449.2 + 4.6*T - 0.055*T² + 0.00029*T³ + 1.34*(S-35) + 0.1*P/10

Where:

  • c = speed of sound in seawater (m/s)
  • T = temperature (°C)
  • S = salinity (PSU)
  • P = pressure (dbar)

Applications

This calculator is useful for:

  • Oceanographic research and modeling
  • Sonar and underwater communication systems
  • Underwater acoustics studies
  • Navigation system calibration in marine environments