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

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.

Mile per minute measures the number of statute miles traveled in one minute. Used for very high speeds in imperial units.

1 mi/min = 60 mph = 96.56 km/h = 26.82 m/s.

To mph: × 60. To km/h: × 96.56. To m/s: × 26.82.

Aircraft speeds (commercial jets: 8–10 mi/min), high-speed trains, missile velocities, and meteor observations.

Commercial jet cruise: ~9 mi/min (540 mph). Military jet: 15–25 mi/min. Space shuttle reentry: ~300 mi/min.

Confusing with mph — 1 mi/min is 60 times faster than 1 mph.

Simple conversion: mi/min × 60 = mph. Example: 10 mi/min = 600 mph. Good for aviation mental math.