Sound Speed Spatial Modeling in Persian Gulf using Geostatistical Techniques

During research patrol of 2001 ROPME, the physical parameters of sound velocity in the Persian Gulf were measured. The range of stations selected to measure these parameters included the entire Persian Gulf. However, these measurements were discrete from the study area.In this study sound speed was spatially modeled in Persian Gulf using the geostatistical analyst Arc GIS 9.2 software to prepare continuous and high validity maps of sound speed at different depths. These smart maps can be used to predict sound speed at any spatial coordinates in the study area by clicking the mouse pointer. Moreover, analysis of these maps led us to the conclusion that sound speed was highest in the shallower central parts but lowest in the eastern and western parts of the Gulf. The reason for this is the higher temperature and salinity in the central parts and the proximity of the eastern and western parts to the low-salinity waters of the Oman Sea around the Hormuz Strait in the eastern part and Arvandrood in the western part. The deeper waters also had the maximum sound speed around the Hormuz Strait and in the southern shores of the Persian Gulf where the more saline waters of the Gulf poured into the Oman Sea.