Applicability Comparison of Three Sound Velocity Algorithms in the Mendeleev Ridge Area of the Arctic Ocean ——Based on In Situ Data from the 9<sup>th</sup> Chinese National Arctic Expedition

CHEN Hongxia; LIN Lina; LIU Na; YU Junhao

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CHEN Hongxia，LIN Lina，LIU Na, et al. Applicability Comparison of Three Sound Velocity Algorithms in the Mendeleev Ridge Area of the Arctic Ocean ——Based on In Situ Data from the 9th Chinese National Arctic Expedition[J]. Haiyang Xuebao，2026, 48(x)：1–12

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CHEN Hongxia，LIN Lina，LIU Na, et al. Applicability Comparison of Three Sound Velocity Algorithms in the Mendeleev Ridge Area of the Arctic Ocean ——Based on In Situ Data from the 9^th Chinese National Arctic Expedition[J]. Haiyang Xuebao，2026, 48(x)：1–12

Citation:

CHEN Hongxia，LIN Lina，LIU Na, et al. Applicability Comparison of Three Sound Velocity Algorithms in the Mendeleev Ridge Area of the Arctic Ocean ——Based on In Situ Data from the 9^th Chinese National Arctic Expedition[J]. Haiyang Xuebao，2026, 48(x)：1–12

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Applicability Comparison of Three Sound Velocity Algorithms in the Mendeleev Ridge Area of the Arctic Ocean ——Based on In Situ Data from the 9^th Chinese National Arctic Expedition

CHEN Hongxia^{1, 2
,},
LIN Lina^{1, 2
,},
LIU Na^{1, 2},
YU Junhao^{1, 2}

1.
First Institute of Oceanography, MNR, Qingdao 266061, China
2.
Key Laboratory of Marine Science and Numerical Modeling, MNR, Qingdao 266061, China

Received Date: 2026-03-17
Rev Recd Date: 2026-05-27

Available Online: 2026-06-11

Abstract

Abstract

Sound velocity is a core physical parameter in marine acoustic detection and applications, and its accuracy directly determines the reliability of technologies such as underwater acoustic communication, seabed topographic mapping, and acoustic tomography. Currently, sound velocity profiles are primarily obtained indirectly through empirical formulas using Conductivity-Temperature-Depth (CTD) data, among which the Chen-Millero (1977), Del Grosso (1974), and Wilson (1960) formulas are the three most commonly used algorithms globally. However, these formulas were largely developed based on ocean data from mid and low latitudes, and their applicability in the Arctic Ocean—characterized by low temperatures, strong stratification, and significant freshwater input—has not been fully validated. This study utilizes synchronized high-precision CTD and Sound Velocity Profiler (SVP) data collected along the 172°W meridional section east of the Mendeleev Ridge during the 9th Chinese National Arctic Expedition (2018) to systematically compare the computational accuracy of these three algorithms under typical Arctic environmental conditions. The results indicate that along this section, the Del Grosso (1974) empirical formula exhibits the best overall performance, demonstrating the highest accuracy (mean bias of 0.62 m/s) and optimal stability (standard deviation of bias of 0.23 m/s) across the entire section and full depth range, making it the preferred algorithm for regional sound velocity calculation. The Wilson (1960) formula shows a significant depth-dependent systematic overestimation, with a mean bias of 1.17 m/s below 500 m depth, which renders it unsuitable for deep-layer calculations in the Arctic. The Chen and Millero (1977) formula exhibits intermediate overall performance but is sensitive to extreme surface hydrological conditions, with systematic overestimation also occurring in deep layers. The algorithm errors display distinct spatial and vertical heterogeneity that is closely related to the complexity of the hydrological environment, and the unique hydrological processes of the Arctic Ocean significantly amplify the computational uncertainties of existing empirical formulas.
- The 9^th Chinese Arctic Scientific Expedition,
- Arctic Ocean,
- Mendeleev Ridge,
- sound velocity algorithm,
- Sound velocity profiler,
- Conductivity-Temperature-Depth profiler (CTD)

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References(32)

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