Sonar is a technique that uses sound propagation to navigate, measure distances, communicate with or detect objects on or under the surface of the water, such as other vessels.

What stands for sound navigation and ranging?

Sonar, short for Sound Navigation and Ranging, is helpful for exploring and mapping the ocean because sound waves travel farther in the water than do radar and light waves. ... There are two types of sonar—active and passive.

What is sound navigation ranging?

Sonar, (from “sound navigation ranging”), technique for detecting and determining the distance and direction of underwater objects by acoustic means. Sound waves emitted by or reflected from the object are detected by sonar apparatus and analyzed for the information they contain.