Fathometer

A fathometer is an instrument used to measure the depth of water, typically in oceans, lakes, or rivers. It works by sending sound waves from the surface down to the bottom. When these sound waves hit the seabed, they bounce back to the surface. By measuring the time it takes for the sound waves to return, the fathometer calculates the depth of the water. This information is crucial for navigation, fishing, and geological research, helping vessels avoid shallow areas and enabling scientists to study underwater landscapes.