Sound Speed Prediction Equations for Seafloor Sediments in Offshore Area Southeast of Hainan Island

Abstract

In this study, single- and double-parameter empirical equations were produced, and the influences of physical properties on sound speed were assessed, based on the measured data of seafloor sediments obtained in an area near southeastern Hainan Island. The correlation coefficients of the single-parameter empirical equations were found to be greater than 0.65, while those of the double-parameter empirical equations were found to be greater than 0.72, indicating that the double-parameter empirical equations have an advantage in predicting sound speed. According to the sensitivity analysis, mean grain size is the best predictor for sediment sound speed. Furthermore, the empirical equations constructed in this study are a significant addition to sound speed prediction equations and have important application potential in predicting sound speed in the studied area near southeastern Hainan Island.