Mapping with Multibeam Sonar | Nautilus Live

Description :

Mapping the ocean floor aboard E/V Nautilus relies on our advanced Kongsberg EM302 Multibeam Echo Sounder—a tool that uses acoustic sound to "see" beneath the waves at the hidden features of the planet. This system emits sound in a fan‑like pattern made of up to 864 individual sonar beams, covering a wide expanse beneath and either side of the ship. Operating at 30 kHz frequency, the system provides high‑resolution bathymetric data down to 7,000 m, enabling precise mapping of the seafloor as Nautilus travels around the world. By precisely measuring the time it takes for sound to make a roundtrip journey from the ship to the seafloor and back, the system creates detailed 3D maps, aiding scientists and technical teams in their exploration of the ocean's hidden landscapes.