Convert Speed of Sound in Sea Water (vₛₑₐ) to Mach (20°C, 1 atm) (Ma (20°C)) 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.
Mach (20°C, 1 atm) (Ma (20°C))
At 20°C and 1 atmosphere, the speed of sound in air is about 343 m/s, making Mach 1 = 343 m/s under those conditions. Mach numbers classify aerodynamic regimes: Mach 0.3–0.8 (Subsonic), Mach 0.8–1.2 (Transonic), Mach 1–5 (Supersonic), Mach 5+ (Hypersonic). Temperature influences Mach speed significantly; colder air slows sound, while warmer air increases its speed. Aircraft design, jet engines, wind tunnels, aerospace testing, and atmospheric re-entry physics all rely heavily on Mach numbers referenced to standard conditions.