Which aspect of water is critical for sonar operations besides chemical properties?

Water salinity is a vital aspect for sonar operations as it significantly influences the propagation of sound waves through water. Sound speed in seawater is affected by its salinity, along with temperature and pressure. Higher salinity levels lead to increased sound speed, which affects how sonar systems interpret and analyze acoustic signals. As sonar relies on the effective transmission of sound, understanding the salinity of water is essential for accurate readings in underwater environments.

In sonar applications, accurate knowledge of salinity helps in calibrating sonar systems for effective detection and ranging, supporting various naval operations such as navigation, reconnaissance, and environmental monitoring. Therefore, knowing the salinity of water is crucial for optimizing sonar performance in different marine conditions.