What is the process of sound traveling through different water layers called?

The process of sound traveling through different water layers is known as refraction. Refraction occurs when sound waves pass from one medium to another, which in this case refers to variations in water density, temperature, and salinity that create stratified layers within the ocean. As the sound waves enter these different layers, they change speed, leading to a bending of the waves. This bending effect influences how sound propagates underwater, affecting its path and the distance it can travel.

Understanding refraction is crucial for applications in oceanography and sonar technology, as it helps predict how sound will travel in various underwater environments.