Acoustic properties of surface water masses in the tropical Atlantic and their seasonal variability

The peculiarities of the vertical hydroacoustic structure of surface water masses in the tropical Atlantic are reported. The near-surface acoustic channel in areas of strong freshening of oceanic waters by continental discharge and rainfall is studied. Quantitative characteristics of the seasonal variability of the channel's parameters are given. The mechanism responsible for the long-range acoustic conductivity in the upper layer of waters is analysed. The areas of maximum horizontal refraction in the near-surface layer are identified and the refraction angles of acoustic rays determined.Translated by V. Puchkin.