Seawater’s Key Physical Variables

Abstract

The physical properties of seawater include two main parts, the first one is the “thermodynamic properties” such as water density and freezing point, while the second part is the “transport properties” like the electrical conductivity and viscosity [9]. In this chapter, we will discuss the key seawater’s physical variables that have direct and indirect impacts on the sound speed profile where a change in their values can lead to some changes in the sound signal intensity and hence affects the underwater transmission. Moreover, we provide the interrelationships between these physical variables.