What phenomenon do underwater earthquakes generate that impacts ocean acoustic measurements?

Underwater earthquakes generate shock waves that lead to changes in pressure and sound speed in the ocean. When an earthquake occurs beneath the seabed, it creates seismic waves that travel through the water. These waves alter the local pressure conditions, which can affect the density and temperature of the water. As sound waves travel through the ocean, their speed is influenced by such changes in pressure and temperature. Therefore, the altered sound speed can significantly impact acoustic measurements, including sonar and communication signals used in various marine applications. This effect is crucial for understanding the underwater environment and for improving the accuracy of acoustic data collected during and after seismic events.