What is SoNAR?
SoNAR is short for Sound Navigation and Ranging. It is a process when we use sound waves to explore and map the ocean floor. We use sound waves, not light or radio waves because sound waves can travel further in water.
SoNAR can be used for:
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Types of SoNAR
There are two types of SoNAR: active and passive.
An active sonar transmits sound waves and collects the returning sound waves (echo).
A passive sonar only collects sound waves from creatures or objects such as whales and submarines. It doesn't transmit any signals.
There are two types of SoNAR: active and passive.
An active sonar transmits sound waves and collects the returning sound waves (echo).
A passive sonar only collects sound waves from creatures or objects such as whales and submarines. It doesn't transmit any signals.
How does SoNAR work?
Sonar works by transducers transmitting sound waves into the
ocean. The waves bounce off different objects and come back (like an echo). The
returning wave will be recorded and the time for it to come back will used to
how deep it is.
For example: A signal is received after 30 seconds it was transmitted. The speed of sound waves in water is 1,484 m/s (let just approximate to 1500). We will work out the depth by multiplying the time by the speed (30 x 1500). |