We all know what GPS is, right? Yet let’s revise it once! GPS or global positioning system allows users to locate a particular location on a real-time map and know everything about it. Even though GPS is one of the most used positioning technologies in different industries, it can only locate anything available on the surface. Neither can it measure the depth of crust or find the depth of an underwater trench.
This is where underwater acoustic positioning systems like ultra short baseline are used. These systems and types of equipment can find anything below the water level by scanning, reflection and dispersion of sound waves, and other such techniques.
Let Us Explore How Underwater Acoustic Mapping Systems Can Benefit Different Industries And Purposes
Helps In Discovering New Lifeforms
One of the main reasons for using underwater acoustic positioning systems is to find new lifeforms. According to researchers and marine scientists, more than 70% of underwater life forms are yet to be discovered and identified. Therefore, equipment types like acoustic releases are used to send sound signals and scan the presence of any lifeform in some regions of the underwater. The scanning system then receives the sonic waves, which further identifies the obstruction.
Allows Supervising The Movements Of Tectonic Plates Constantly
The seafloor is the upper portion of the tectonic plates that shift constantly. So, geologists continuously supervise the plate movements by sending sound waves using setups like ultra short baseline. With the data, they can further forecast any chance for massive scale underwater earthquakes or tsunamis. Apart from this, the acoustic positioning systems can pinpoint the location of rifts in the seafloor, sources of underwater hot springs, and more.
Can Pinpoint The Location Of An Underwater Submarine
Navies and militaries use acoustic positioning systems to keep an eye on the movements of underwater submarines. This helps the countries know whether anyone is entering their waters, trying to be undetected. The acoustic instruments used for such military purposes have a more extensive range. They can cover vast areas to ensure that the submarines can be identified, no matter how deep they are moving.
Helps To Find Sunken Ships And Other Items
Starting from finding sunken ships to examining the positions of underwater natural gas pipelines, the acoustic releases are used widely. The sound waves get reflected once they hit the body and travel back in the opposite direction, where the receivers further receive them. By studying the pattern of the sound waves being reflected, one can identify what’s there on the seafloor easily.
Allows To Navigate Properly Within The Water
Lastly, underwater mapping systems like the acoustic doppler current profiler can help one navigate properly. Ships, submarines, warships, and all other such things can know whether any obstruction is present ahead along their dedicated route or not by sending sound waves. Therefore, the chances of accidents and collisions get reduced tenfold.
Unfolds Many Secrets Of The Underwater Habitat
With the help of acoustic mapping systems like the acoustic doppler current profiler, one can unearth many secrets that are hidden underwater. From understanding the ripple wave currents at different depths to building a strong underwater security system for navigation, these positioning systems have helped several industries finish their tasks accurately and precisely.
