|
Correct Answer: reflecting sound waves off of the bottom of the ocean to detect structures.
sea beam, a technology designed to map the ocean floor, utilizes sonar technology to achieve its purpose. sonar stands for sound navigation and ranging and is fundamentally different from other forms of remote sensing such as radar or lidar.
the principle of sonar involves emitting sound waves from a transmitter (usually mounted on a ship or submarine). these sound waves travel through the water until they encounter the ocean floor or other submerged objects. upon striking these objects, the sound waves are reflected back to the source where they are detected by a receiver. the time it takes for the sound waves to return is measured and used to calculate the distance to the object, which in turn helps in creating a detailed map of the ocean floor.
this method is particularly effective underwater because sound waves travel farther and more efficiently in water than do light waves or radio waves, both of which are significantly attenuated in aquatic environments. radio waves, which are used in radar technology, get absorbed quickly in water, making them ineffective for undersea mapping. light waves, similarly, can only penetrate a limited depth of water before being absorbed or scattered, restricting their use primarily to superficial water studies.
furthermore, unlike infrared technology which detects heat emissions, sonar does not rely on any form of thermal detection. infrared technology is ineffective in deep ocean waters as it requires emission of heat from the target, which is not applicable in the cold environments found at great depths.
therefore, sonar is uniquely suited for underwater exploration and mapping, providing reliable and detailed topographical data of the ocean floor. this data is crucial for various applications including underwater navigation, research in marine geology, and in the planning and installation of submarine cables and other structures.
|
