The Ocean and Sound

An Introduction

Sound, suprisingly enough, travels faster in the water than on land due to the tight compression of the molecules. Affecting the speed of sound is the density of the water and the temperature, the most condusive mediums being dense water and warm water. Hence sound moves quickly in the upper and lower regions of the ocean basin while the middle of the basin is the sound minimum, or the SOFAR channel.

Humpback whales use the SOFAR channel to communicate and woo their mates.

Find out more about the Humpback Whale

Links

Oceanography	Marine Biology
Scripps Institute of Oceanography	MA Oceanography Home Page

A Clownfish and an anenome (they make no sound)