What does the variable 'c' represent in the sound wave depth formula?

In the sound wave depth formula, the variable 'c' represents the velocity of sound in water. This is crucial because the speed at which sound travels in a medium affects the calculations involved in determining depth. In hydrographic surveying, understanding the velocity of sound in water is essential for accurately measuring depth based on the time it takes for an acoustic signal to return to the surface after being emitted.

The velocity can be influenced by various factors, including water temperature, salinity, and pressure. Therefore, using 'c' to denote the speed of sound in water acknowledges its significance in calculating depths during hydrographic surveys. When depth is determined using sonar technology, the speed of sound helps in converting the time taken for the sound to travel (which is a component of the formula) into a measurable distance, thus yielding the depth of the water body being surveyed.