Use of Historical Salinity Data in the Computation of Depth Corrections Due to Variations in Sound Speed

摘要

Six different methods for averaging historical salinity values were studied for their applicability in the determination of depth corrections due to sound speed variations. The averaging techniques range in complexity from the use of a single value of salinity throughout the entire water column to the use of a historical salinity average profile corrected for the surface salinity. Results show that historically determined salinity can be used in the computation of the depth corrections without exceeding the accuracy limits. Two single values of salinity were found to be sufficient to cover the West Coast of the United States: 31 percent applicable north of 40 N, and 33 percent for use south of that latitude. (Author)