Sügavusmõõtur

A sügavusmõõtur, also known as a depth sounder or fathometer, is an instrument used to measure the depth of water. These devices typically operate by emitting sound pulses into the water and measuring the time it takes for the echo to return after reflecting off the seabed or a submerged object. The time taken for the sound to travel down and back is directly proportional to the depth.

Modern sügavusmõõturid often employ sonar technology, utilizing transducers to both transmit and receive the sound waves. The speed of sound in water varies slightly depending on factors like temperature, salinity, and pressure, and these variables can be accounted for in more sophisticated instruments to ensure accuracy. The results are usually displayed digitally on a screen, providing a clear reading of the water depth.

These instruments are essential tools for a wide range of marine activities. Navigators use them to avoid grounding in shallow waters and to understand the contours of the seafloor. Fishermen utilize them to locate fishing grounds and to identify underwater structures that might hold fish. Oceanographers and marine biologists employ sügavusmõõturid for scientific research, mapping the seabed, and studying underwater ecosystems. Some sügavusmõõturid can also detect schools of fish or submerged obstacles.