echosounder

An echosounder is a device used by boats and ships to detect objects and measure depths beneath the water surface. It works by sending out sound waves into the water; these waves travel downward until they hit something like the seabed or a fish. The sound waves then bounce back to the echosounder, which measures the time it takes for the echoes to return. Using this information, it calculates the distance to the object or bottom, creating a real-time map of underwater features. This technology is essential for navigation, fishing, and underwater research.