How does ocean stratification affect acoustic propagation?

Ocean stratification refers to the layering of water in the ocean, which is often based on differences in temperature, salinity, and density. These layers establish different sound velocities within the water column because sound travels at different speeds depending on the physical properties of the medium it is passing through.

The presence of these layers leads to variations in acoustic propagation where sound waves can bend or refract as they transition from one layer to another. This results in sound waves taking different paths or creating distortion in their transmission. In the case of stratification, it may cause sound to travel more efficiently in certain directions while being hindered or distorted in others. Therefore, this creates a complex underwater acoustic environment, significantly impacting sonar and communication systems in naval applications.

The other options do not correctly address the phenomenon. For example, while some might think that stratification could decrease overall sound coverage, the layering can actually allow sound to propagate over longer distances under the right conditions. Similarly, stratification does not eliminate background noise; in fact, it may contribute to it by creating more complex sound interactions. Lastly, while stratification can affect the intensity of sound waves, it does not inherently enhance them; instead, the effects of stratification on intensity are highly variable and depend on