Velocity of Sound in Sea Water (20°C, 10m depth) to Yard 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.

Yard per minute measures distance in yards traveled in one minute.

1 yd/min = 0.01524 m/s = 0.05486 km/h = 0.9144 m/min.

To yd/s: ÷ 60. To ft/min: × 3. To m/min: × 0.9144.

American football player speeds (50–120 yd/min), slow boat speeds, and some industrial processes.

NFL running back: 100–120 yd/min sprint. Average walking: 50 yd/min.

Confusing with yd/s (60× faster) or mph.

~30 yd/min = 1 mph. Used occasionally in American sports contexts.