Velocity of Sound in Sea Water (20°C, 10m depth) to Centimeter per Hour

The speed of sound in seawater at 20°C and 10 meters depth is approximately 1,522 m/s, varying with temperature, salinity, and pressure.

Complex function of T, S, P. Mackenzie equation: c ≈ 1,449 + 4.6T - 0.055T² + 0.00029T³ + (1.34-0.01T)(S-35) + 0.016z. Typical: ~1,500 m/s.

To km/h: × 3.6. To ft/s: × 3.281. 1,522 m/s = 5,479 km/h = 3,404 mph.

Naval sonar, commercial ship echo sounders, underwater positioning systems, and marine seismic surveys.

Sound speed increases ~1.3 m/s per °C, ~1.3 m/s per PSU salinity, and ~1.7 m/s per 100m depth. SOFAR channel at ~1000m depth traps sound for thousands of km.

Using a single constant — sound speed in the ocean varies significantly with depth and location. Always measure or calculate for local conditions.

~1,500 m/s is a good approximation. Remember: warmer, saltier, deeper = faster sound. Critical for accurate sonar ranging.

Centimeter per hour measures very slow movements in centimeters over an hour. Used for extremely gradual processes.

1 cm/h = 0.01 m/h = 0.00001 km/h = 0.00000278 m/s. Extremely small speed unit.

To m/s: ÷ 360,000. To m/h: × 0.01. To mm/h: × 10.

Very slow geological processes, material expansion/contraction measurements, and some biological growth studies.

Human nail growth: ~0.01 cm/h. Stalagmite formation: ~0.001 cm/h. Some coral growth: 0.1 cm/h.

Using for anything except very slow processes. Confusing with cm/min or cm/s.

100 cm/h = 1 m/h. Primarily a scientific measurement unit. Not for everyday use.