Beneath the Surface: Spreading, Scattering and Shadow Zones
The rate at which sound spreads out in the ocean is affected by scattering, which often occurs when sound waves hit boundaries, like the seafloor and the ocean surface. When sound waves scatter, they may cause the formation of a shadow zone.
Beneath the Surface: Water and the Speed of Sound
Sound in the ocean travels about five times as fast as it does in the atmosphere. As with light, absorption plays a major role.
The Ocean as a Sound Channel
Renowned oceanographer and geophysicist Walter Munk talks about differences in the ways sound travels in the ocean as compared to through the air. He observes that the ocean is an ideal medium through which sound can travel.
Spreading
Renowned oceanographer and geophysicist Walter Munk observes that spreading decreases the energy of sound as it travels. Energy loss due to spreading is proportional to the square of the distance from the source.
Sea Level Change Over Time
Renowned oceanographer and geophysicist Walter Munk talks about the rise in sea level since the last Ice Age. Professor Munk notes that the geologic record indicates that sea level has risen by one hundred and twenty meters since that time--an amoun...
Wave Prediction and Military Operations
Renowned oceanographer and geophysicist Walter Munk talks about the role wave prediction played in the planning of amphibious landings during World War II.
Wave Prediction and the Normandy Invasion
Renowned oceanographer and geophysicist Walter Munk talks about the role wave prediction played in the planning of the Normandy Invasion during World War II. He recalls that the invasion was actually postponed one day because of predictions of unfav...
Global Warming and Sea Level Change
Renowned oceanographer and geophysicist Walter Munk talks about the relationship between global warming and sea level change. Professor Munk points out that, contrary to popular belief, the melting of floating ice does not change sea level. It is th...
How Tides Work
Renowned oceanographer and geophysicist Walter Munk talks about the role of gravity and the Moon in tidal processes. He also discusses early ideas about tides in the days before Sir Isaac Newton developed his theory of gravity.
Internal Waves
Renowned oceanographer and geophysicist Walter Munk talks about the role of internal waves in ocean dynamics. He notes that only in recent years have oceanographers come to understand that internal waves can have a profound impact on what happens ne...