Scientific instruments: Identify what a fathometer measures. Consider typical marine and hydrographic applications when selecting the answer. Choose the correct measurement.

General Knowledge Basic General Knowledge Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
  • A
    Depth of water (ocean/sea depth)
  • B
    Earthquake intensity
  • C
    Wind speed over the sea
  • D
    Salinity of seawater

Answer

Correct Answer: Depth of water (ocean/sea depth)

Explanation

Given data

  • Instrument: Fathometer.
  • Use context: Marine navigation and sounding.

Concept/Approach A fathometer is an echo-sounding device used to determine water depth, historically expressed in fathoms.

Reasoning • It emits sound waves and measures the return time from the seabed. • Converting travel time with sound speed in water yields depth.

Verification The name itself hints at "fathoms" (a unit of depth), confirming its purpose.

Common pitfalls Confusing depth measurement with seismic intensity (seismograph) or wind speed (anemometer) or salinity (salinometer).

Final Answer Depth of water (ocean/sea depth)

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