What is usually the dB loss for cylindrical spreading?

Cylindrical spreading refers to how sound intensity diminishes as it propagates through a medium, such as water, in a cylindrical pattern. In this model, sound waves spread out uniformly in all directions from a point source, effectively forming a cylinder of sound.

The loss in intensity due to this spreading is described in terms of decibels (dB). As sound travels through a cylindrical medium, its intensity decreases at a rate of 3 dB per doubling of distance. This means that every time you double the distance from the source, you experience a 3 dB drop in sound intensity.

Understanding this concept is crucial in oceanography and acoustics since it affects how sound is perceived over distances in aquatic environments. Thus, the correct answer aligns with the established principle of cylindrical spreading, confirming that the expected dB loss in this context is indeed 3 dB.