Which term describes the reduction of signal strength as sound waves travel through water?

The term that describes the reduction of signal strength as sound waves travel through water is attenuation. In underwater acoustics, attenuation refers to the loss of sound energy as it propagates due to a combination of factors such as absorption, scattering, and the spreading of the sound wave. When sound travels through a medium like water, some of its energy is absorbed by the water itself, particularly at higher frequencies, leading to a decrease in the intensity of the sound signal over distance. Understanding attenuation is crucial for interpreting acoustic data accurately, as it directly impacts the effectiveness of underwater communication and sonar systems.

In contrast, heaviness is not an appropriate term in this context, as it does not pertain to sound propagation. Refraction refers to the bending of sound waves as they pass through different layers of water with varying temperature or salinity, which can affect the direction of the sound but not necessarily its strength. Propagation describes the process of sound waves traveling through a medium, but it does not specifically address the reduction in signal strength associated with that travel. Thus, attenuation is the most accurate term to use in this scenario.