How is the seafloor detected using acoustic pulse?

The detection of the seafloor using acoustic pulses relies on the principle of echolocation, where sound waves are emitted into the water and then reflected back after hitting the seafloor. Lower frequency echo-sound waves are particularly effective for this purpose, as they can penetrate deeper into the water column and travel long distances before returning to the source. This allows for an accurate assessment of the seafloor depth and features, such as underwater topography and structures.

In hydrographic surveying, these acoustic pulses help in creating detailed maps of the seabed, which are essential for navigation, marine engineering, and environmental monitoring. The choice of lower frequencies is also advantageous because they reduce scattering and provide clearer signals for deeper waters, making them ideal for many marine survey applications. Other methods such as magnetic resonance imaging, light waves with camera systems, or satellite imaging are not suitable for direct seafloor detection in the same way that acoustic pulses are, primarily because they cannot effectively navigate through water to measure depth and terrain accurately.