Sound Navigation and Ranging (sonar) is a technique that uses sound propagation to navigate, communicate with, or detect objects on or under the surface of the water. A key application is determining the distance to the seabed. This is achieved by emitting a pulse of sound from a transducer and measuring the time it takes for the echo to return after reflecting off the ocean floor. Knowledge of the speed of sound in water, combined with the elapsed time, allows for precise determination of the vertical distance.
Measuring ocean depth is vital for nautical charting, navigation safety, marine research, and resource exploration. Accurate bathymetric data supports the creation of reliable maps, facilitates safe passage for vessels, enables scientific study of underwater topography and ecosystems, and aids in the identification and assessment of potential seabed resources. Historically, depth was measured using weighted lines; the advent of acoustic technology significantly improved the accuracy and efficiency of this process.
