Convert Speed of Sound in Sea Water (vₛₑₐ) to Kilometer/Second (km/s) instantly.
About these units
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.
Kilometer/Second (km/s)
A kilometer per second represents a very high speed—1,000 meters every second—and is particularly important in astronomy, planetary science, and astrophysics. Orbital velocities around planets, escape velocities, solar winds, and the motion of stars relative to each other are commonly measured in km/s. This scale captures speeds far beyond terrestrial transportation. For example, Earth orbits the Sun at roughly 30 km/s, and meteoroids entering Earth's atmosphere may arrive at speeds between 11 and 72 km/s. km/s is a natural step up from m/s when describing the motion of celestial bodies.