Tech Marine Tech in B.C. Careers in Marine Science Marine Technology Links Sonar and Ocean Imaging Sonar Sonar is a piece of equipment that uses sound energy to sense the location of objects in the ocean and on the ocean floor. The name sonar comes from sound navigation and ranging. From submarines to fishermen, there are a lot of different people that use sonar. Distances for active sonar are determined by measuring the time it takes for a sound wave to travel from the source, reflect on an object and then return to the sonar device. Passive sonar can no measure distances.
Scientists can use active sonar to explore the bottom of the ocean.
Side scan sonar sends out a fan of sound waves and with computers, maps of seafloor texture are made. Multibeam sonar builds a contoured image of the ocean bottom by measuring the time it takes the produced sound to return. Underwater Imaging Researchers can use small digital video cameras to shoot broadcast quality video when diving. The Aquarium currently has an digital camera that can be put in a waterproof housing and is taken on collecting trips and to monitor underwater experiments and habitat. Remote Sensing Aquarium researchers are now able to view the the ocean in greater detail than ever before using advancements in remote-sensing technology.