The effect of sound velocity profile variability on range to the first convergence zone

A study of temporal variability in oceanic sound velocity structure was undertaken in order to determine its effect on the propagation of acoustic waves to the first convergence zone. A statistical analysis was performed using sound velocity profiles measured in 3 different geographic locations. The results give some basis for predicting temporal variations in range to the first convergence zone caustic for short term operations in a relatively fixed location.