What effect do isothermal conditions have on sound rays?

Isothermal conditions, where the temperature of the water column remains constant with depth, significantly influence how sound travels through the ocean. Under these conditions, sound rays tend to travel straight without bending. However, in a case where the sound speed varies, typical scenarios would show sound rays bending either upwards or downwards depending on the temperature gradient.

In isothermal conditions, with no variation in temperature, the speed of sound remains the same at all depths, resulting in sound rays traveling in a straight line rather than bending. Hence, the condition directly negates the possibility of bending either upwards or downwards. Consequently, this consistent speed results in sound propagation that is predictable and linear, emphasizing the characteristic of sound rays remaining unobstructed and traveling in straight lines.