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
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ADepth of water (ocean/sea depth)
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BEarthquake intensity
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CWind speed over the sea
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DSalinity 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)