Use of historical salinity data in the computation of depth correction due to variations in sound speed
Six different methods for averaging historical salinity values were studied for the applicability in the determination of depth corrections due to sound speed variations. The averaging techniques range in complexity from the use of a single value of salinity throughout the entire water column to the use of a historical salinity average profile corrected for the surface salinity. Results show that historically determined salinity can be used in the computation of the depth correctipns without exceeding the accuracy limits. Two single values of salinity were found to be sufficient to cover the West Coast of the United States: 31%, applicable north of 40 degrees N and 33 %, for use south of that latitude.
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Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School