SOFAR CHANNEL Meaning and
Definition
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A sofar channel, short for Sound Fixing and Ranging Channel, refers to a specialized underwater sound wave propagation phenomenon. It is a horizontal layer in the ocean where sound waves can travel over long distances with minimal attenuation. In this channel, sound waves follow a specific path due to variations in water temperature and salinity. These properties create a unique sound duct that allows for efficient propagation of low-frequency sounds across vast distances.
The sofar channel is typically found at depths of around 1,200 meters, where the speed of sound is minimal. Sound waves emitted near the surface tend to refract downwards towards this channel due to the gradient in sound speed. Once in the sofar channel, sound waves can propagate horizontally for several hundred kilometers without significant loss of energy. This property makes the sofar channel an important tool for underwater communication, as the sound waves can carry information over long distances.
Sofar channels are exploited by marine animals, such as whales, to communicate across vast areas of the ocean. They have also been utilized by researchers for sonar systems and for detecting underwater explosions. Understanding the properties and behavior of the sofar channel contributes to various scientific studies, including oceanography and the study of marine life.
In summary, a sofar channel is a naturally occurring underwater pathway in which low-frequency sound waves can travel great distances with minimal attenuation, making it an essential element for long-range underwater communication and research.
Etymology of SOFAR CHANNEL
The term "sofar channel" does not have a specific etymology as it is a combination of two separate words with their respective origins. "Sofar" is an acronym for "sound fixing and ranging", and it refers to a layer in the ocean where sound waves can travel unusually long distances due to the changes in temperature and pressure. This term was coined in the early 20th century during World War I when scientists and navies began studying and utilizing underwater sound for communication and submarine detection.
On the other hand, the word "channel" in this context simply refers to a medium or path through which information or communication can be transmitted. It comes from the Old French word "chanel" which meant "pipe" or "tube" and ultimately has Latin origins. The word has been adopted and adapted into various languages with similar meanings.
