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Sonar is still used today, but has gone through many technological
improvements. One of the most important recent inventions is called
side-scan sonar. Older sonar systems projected sound waves forward, in
front of the ship. This was very useful for hunting submarines and
navigation. In contrast, side-scan sonar projects sound waves sideways.
In addition, the sonar machinery is usually placed in an underwater sled
which is towed behind the ship. Side-scan sonar gives very detailed
pictures of the sea floor. It is used to make maps and find sea floor
objects. It is a common tool used by treasure hunters when looking for
shipwrecks.
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Side scan sonar
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