Characterization of sound speed profile in Malaysian Sea

Abstract

The propagation of sound in the sea is dependent on several environmental factors such as the depth and some other ocean properties. The characteristics of sound propagation in the sea are determined by the sound speed profile. The sound speed in the sea is determined and varies with depth, salinity change, temperature, the season as well as the geographic location. In general, the different sea conditions have different characteristics of sound speed profile. This project aimed to analyze the sound speed profile in Malaysian Sea. The data collected from hydrographical measurement during the Matahari’85 expedition in the South China Sea, in Terrengganu coastline together with Mackenzie sound speed equation were used to model the sound speed profile. By comparing the effect of temperature and salinity on sound speed it was observed that temperature has more effect than salinity. Also ray tracing model is used to trace the path of sound which travels through the sea with a sound speed profile given by the depth and corresponding sound speed. In conclusion, by characterizing sound speed profile in the sea, it enables the prediction of the direction and the path that the sound propagates.