Temperature Dependence of Low-Frequency Sound Attenuation in Fresh and Sea Water

Low-frequency sound-absorption measurements in both fresh and sea water show anomalous behavior that is consistent with a relaxation process near 1 kHz. Furthermore, comparison of the 4°C measurements in the Atlantic Ocean and Lake Superior with the 13° Mediterranean Sea values indicate an increase in relaxation frequency with temperature corresponding to an activation energy of almost 10 kcal/mole. Further experiments are planned in Lake Tanganyika and the Red Sea (23°C) to test the hypothesis.