What does the variation in sound velocity due to temperature differences cause?

The variation in sound velocity due to temperature differences primarily causes distortion in sound paths. Sound travels at different speeds in water depending on the water's temperature, salinity, and pressure. When there are temperature gradients in the ocean, this can lead to changes in how sound waves travel through the water.

As sound moves from one layer of water to another with a different temperature, the change in sound velocity can bend or refract the sound waves. This refraction can alter the paths that sound takes, leading to distortions in the propagation of sonar signals. Such distortions can affect the accuracy of sonar readings, making it crucial to account for temperature variations when analyzing acoustic data in oceanographic studies.

In contrast, variations in sound velocity do not typically enhance clarity or strength, nor do they have no effect on sound propagation. Thus, the understanding of sound velocity variations is key for effective sonar and acoustic measurements in marine environments.