Acoustic Technologies –
Acoustic technology for discovering the sea floor

Bathymetry is the study and mapping of seafloor topography. It involves obtaining measurements of the depth of the ocean and its geomorphology. Acoustic or sonar imaging is an essential tool for acquiring bathymetric data. A sonar system uses a transducer to transmit a short burst or pulse of sound at a particular frequency. If the pulse reaches a target, it is reflected and recorded by the transducer. The time it takes to return this signal gives the range or distance of the target. The position of the target is deduced from the direction of this returned signal. Regular pulses allow a computer-generated display to be built up of the target.