Convert Knot (kt) to Speed of Sound in Sea Water (vₛₑₐ) instantly.
About these units
Knot (kt)
A knot is equal to one nautical mile per hour, or 1.852 km/h, and is the standard unit of speed in aviation and maritime navigation. Knots are intimately linked to navigation because nautical miles represent distances along Earth's spherical surface. A ship or aircraft traveling at 1 knot moves over one minute of arc of latitude in one hour—reflecting its origins in astronomical navigation. Using knots allows mariners and pilots to integrate seamlessly with charts, headings, coordinate systems, and wind speed conventions. The unit symbolizes centuries of seafaring tradition and remains indispensable for global navigation.
Speed of Sound in Sea Water (vₛₑₐ)
In sea water, the speed of sound is generally higher—around 1,530–1,540 m/s—due to dissolved salts, temperature gradients, and pressure at depth. Sea water's complex structure causes refraction of sound waves, creating deep sound channels (like the SOFAR channel) that allow sound to travel vast distances with minimal attenuation. Oceanographers use sound-speed profiles to map underwater topography, measure ocean temperatures, and study global climate patterns. The speed of sound in sea water is essential for both marine ecology and military navigation.