Question

Which instrument is used to measure the depth of the ocean?
A.) Galvanometer
B.) Fluxmeter
C.) Endoscope
D.) Fathometer

Answer 1

Hint: Depth of water is usually measured using sound waves. The echo reflected back from the ocean bed helps determine its depth.

Complete step by step answer:

In this world, there exists natural as well as human made structures. In order to measure any temperature, we used a thermometer and to measure the current, we used an ammeter. In the same way, there are many things that have to be measured so that they can be tracked and the reports being monitored. Disaster management usually takes care of the level of sea, oceans in order to make sure they can prevent calamities. For this, they use measuring instruments and various techniques.

One such instrument that is used to measure the depths of the ocean is the Fathometer. The Fathometer was developed by the submarine signal company of Boston in 1925 and it was known as 312 fathometers. It became easier to measure the depth of the ocean as it gave precise information in comparison to other sounding methods.

A Fathometer is usually installed below the boat or ship. It is an echo-sounding device. It sends sound waves and measures the time required for the sound waves to travel from a point near the surface of water to the bottom and then back.

A sound transmitted in one direction, when it hits a surface, reflects back to the source referred to as its echo.

An echo sounding device comprises three components. They are:
1.) Transmitter and Receiver to send and receive sound waves.
2.) Recorder to record the measurements.
3.) Power unit to provide power to the components.

The formula for the depth of water is given by:

\[\text{h=}\dfrac{\text{1}}{\text{2}}\text{vt}\],

where, v is the speed of sound in water, t is the time between transmission and reception of sound waves and h is the depth of water in the ocean.

Note: The Fathometer is based on the principle of echo sounding. The echo sounding is a type of sonar used to measure depth of water by transmitting sound waves.