What is another word for echo sounding?
Pronunciation: [ˈɛkə͡ʊ sˈa͡ʊndɪŋ] (IPA) 
Echo sounding is a technique used to determine the depth of water bodies by emitting sound waves and measuring the time it takes for the waves to bounce back from the ocean or lake bed. This method is crucial for hydrographic survey and mapping of underwater terrain for safe navigation. Synonyms for echo sounding include sonar, underwater acoustics, bathymetry, and hydroacoustics. Sonar describes the use of sound waves for detecting underwater targets or obstacles, while hydroacoustics covers the broad field of underwater sound waves and their interaction with water bodies. The term bathymetry refers specifically to the mapping of underwater topography, including ocean depths and the distribution of sediments.
