The sound velocity structure of the shelf waters off Visakhapatnam

Abstract

The vertical structure of sound velocity has been presented. The depth-sound velocity curves are drawn. The sound velocity is found to vary considerably in the surface waters during the period from November 1995 to April 1956. The variations in sound velocity have been discussed in relation to (1)sinking, (2)upwelling (3)advection and (4)diurnal and seasonal variation in temperature and salinity. The sound velocity in surface waters shows a general increase with the advance of upwelling season. The sound velocity decreases with depth in the surface layers in the upwelling seasons. In contrast; the sound velocity increases with depth in the surface layers during sinking season. At greater depths the sound velocity is found not to vary much during the entire period (November to April).