Talk:Critical depth

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I think that the main definition of critical depth is about the Hydraulic phenomenon!!! —Preceding unsigned comment added by 148.197.67.115 (talk) 12:10, 5 November 2007 (UTC)

The critical depth is the depth in the oceanic water column where gross photosynthesis (primary production) balances the respiration rate of the entire community (including phytoplankton and heterotrophes). —Preceding unsigned comment added by 99.186.43.248 (talk) 03:36, 23 February 2010 (UTC)

There are multiple "Critical depths" so this may need disambiguation at some point
The bare term "critical depth" is not exclusive to biological oceanography. The literature may even more often contain the term with regard to ocean acoustics and military use. "Critical depth" is important in any acoustic model or understanding ray path tracing and acoustics for naval use. It is the depth below the SOFAR channel or deep sound channel axis where sound speed equals the maximum found above the axis in the surface layer. The term will be found in references dealing with anti submarine warfare and acoustic studies. For example, the formerly classified SOSUS related report BEARING STAKE Exercise: Sound Speed and Other Environmental Variability defines the term and contains data and diagrams useful in understanding the term in acoustics. If anyone goes beyond the brief discussion within the SOFAR channel article to a stand alone technical one distinctions will be necessary. Palmeira (talk) 11:55, 27 September 2020 (UTC)