A Sound Speed Profile (SSP) is a representation of how the speed of sound varies with depth in a body of water. This variation is influenced by factors such as temperature, salinity, and pressure. In general, sound travels faster in warmer water and slower in colder water, while higher pressure at greater depths also increases sound speed. SSPs are crucial for underwater acoustics, including applications in marine biology, submarine communication, and oceanography. By understanding the SSP, researchers and engineers can better predict how sound waves will propagate through the ocean, which is essential for activities like sonar mapping and studying marine life.