What effect does depth have on sound transmission in water compared to air?

Sound travels faster underwater due to the density and elasticity of water compared to air. In water, the molecules are more closely packed, which allows sound waves to transmit energy more efficiently. The speed of sound in water is approximately four times greater than in air, generally around 1,500 meters per second in water compared to roughly 343 meters per second in air at room temperature.

This characteristic of sound transmission in water is crucial for divers to understand, as it affects communication and the ability to hear aquatic life or other divers. It is essential to recognize that depth does not diminish the speed of sound in water; rather, the conditions of temperature, salinity, and pressure may influence sound transmission but do not negate the inherent speed advantage that water provides over air.