One of the best systems for imaging large areas of the ocean floor is side scan sonar. The basic concept is much the same as the basic echo sounder; however, side scan sonar instruments are towed behind ships and often called towfish or tow vehicles. This technology uses a specially shaped acoustic beam, which pulses out 90 degrees from the path that it is towed, and also out to each side. Each pulse provides a detailed image of a narrow strip directly below and to either side of the instrument. The topography of the ocean floor and underwater objects reflect back the sound energy to hydrophones on the tow vehicle. These reflections are amplified, processed and displayed as images. Some of the sound that is emitted by side scan sonar is absorbed by the seafloor; the rest is reflected or scattered back in different amounts, which leads to different images of the seafloor. For example, hard objects such as rocks and metal will reflect strong signals while softer features such as mud absorb sonar energy and produce lighter acoustic returns.

Photo courtesy of Klein Associates, http://www.l-3klein.com

Diagram courtesy of USGS Seafloor Mapping Technology group, http://woodshole.er.usgs.gov/operations/sfmapping