Velocity of Sound in Sea Water (20°C, 10m depth) to Mach (SI Standard)

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.

Mach (SI standard) uses the speed of sound at 0°C and 1 atm (295.0464 m/s) as the reference, based on SI standard conditions.

Mach (SI) = velocity / 295.0464 m/s. At 0°C, 1 atm: speed of sound ≈ 295 m/s (colder than 20°C).

To m/s (at 0°C): × 295.05. To km/h (at 0°C): × 1,062. To Mach (20°C): × 0.859.

Rarely used in practice. Theoretical aerodynamics at SI conditions, some scientific papers.

Mach 1 (SI) = 295 m/s, while Mach 1 (20°C) = 343.6 m/s. Same Mach number, different actual speeds depending on definition.

Assuming all Mach numbers use the same reference — they don't. Always check temperature and pressure conditions.

Rarely encountered. Mach 1 (SI) = 295 m/s at 0°C. Standard aviation Mach uses different conditions. Know your reference!