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SOFAR channel
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SOFAR channel

oceanography
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Also known as: sound fixing and ranging channel
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sound fixing and ranging channel
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sound
ocean
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SOFAR channel, zone of minimum sound speed in the oceans that occurs at depths of approximately 1,000 metres (3,300 feet). In this region, pressure, temperature, and salinity combine to inhibit the movement of sound through the water medium. If a sound is generated by a point source in the SOFAR zone, it becomes trapped by refraction. Dispersed horizontally rather than in three directions, the sound is able to travel slowly over great distances. Hydrophones lowered to this depth many kilometres from the origin of the sound are able to detect the sound pulse. The difference in arrival time of the pulse at separate listening posts may be used to triangulate the position of the pulse source.

This article was most recently revised and updated by John P. Rafferty.