Sub-Bottom Sonar

Another type of useful instrument is know as a sub-bottom penetrating sonar. This type of sonar transmits a powerful acoustic pulse into the ocean bottom. Variations within the layers of sediment covering the ocean bedrock reflect some of the acoustic energy. The processing unit then converts these energy flections into a visual image of the layers of sediment.

Sub-bottom sonar is very useful once a shipwreck has been located. This instrument allows archaeologists to develop an effective plan for excavation and management of an underwater archaeological location.

Sub-bottom sonar image