What are the dip angles for sound waves at the poles and the equator?

The dip angles for sound waves at the poles and the equator are crucial in understanding how sound propagates through the ocean due to the Earth's curvature and varying density of water columns. At the poles, the dip angle approaches 90 degrees, meaning that sound waves tend to travel almost vertically downward. This is primarily due to the colder water temperatures and greater pressure found in polar regions, which contribute to increased sound speed and ultimately a steep angle of propagation.

Conversely, at the equator, dip angles are approximately 0 degrees. The warmer and less dense water at the equator allows sound waves to spread out more horizontally rather than downward. This difference in temperature and density creates varied acoustic environments that influence how sound travels across different latitudinal zones.

The combination of these factors results in the defining dip angles of 90 degrees at the poles and 0 degrees at the equator, making this the accurate answer to the question.