Sidescan, sub-bottom and depths

The EA440 singlebeam echo sounder gives the user an all in-one system for simultaneous hydrographic depths, sidescan sonar and sub bottom survey using a single topside transceiver unit and a standard PC. This is  only one of many all-in-one configurations suitable for hydrographic applications in shallow waters.   

The choice of transducers and licenses is the key

EA440 provides high-precisions depth measurements from very shallow waters down to approximately 3000 water depths. Range and accuracy depend on selection of transducers. 

Sidescan sonar surveys are used to image objects on the seabed, e.g. wrecks, pipes and cables, boulders or obstacles that may prevent safe navigation. Sidescan is also used to monitor riverbanks, erosion, landslides and flow induced sediment deposits. Specially designed transducers for hull or over-the-side mounting are available from KONGSBERG for EA440 sidescan operation. The operating frequency is 200 kHz or 500 kHz. 

Low frequency sound signals will penetrate the seabed and provide reflections from layers below the seabed. For EA440 this it exploited for providing the users with a low-cost and easy to install sub-bottom profiler. A 15 kHz transducer is normally used. Operations of the low frequency transducer is for EA440 limited to max 300m water depths.