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

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.

The meter per second is the SI derived unit of speed and velocity, defined as the distance traveled in meters over time in seconds. It represents how many meters an object moves in one second.

1 m/s = base unit. Direct relationship with distance (m) and time (s). Speed = distance ÷ time.

To km/h: × 3.6. To mph: × 2.237. To ft/s: × 3.281. To knots: × 1.944.

Walking speed (1.4 m/s average), running speed (elite sprinters reach 12.4 m/s), vehicle speeds in scientific contexts, and wind speed measurements.

Usain Bolt's top speed: 12.4 m/s (44.6 km/h). Cheetah speed: 29 m/s. Speed of sound at sea level: 343 m/s. Light: 299,792,458 m/s.

Confusing m/s with km/h — a common error when reading speedometers. Remember: multiply m/s by 3.6 to get km/h.

Quick conversion: 10 m/s ≈ 36 km/h. To visualize: 1 m/s means moving one big step per second. Multiply by 3.6 for km/h.