Question

When operated over a muddy bottom, a fathometer may indicate __________.

a) Greater depth than actual
b) Lesser depth than actual
c) Accurate depth
d) No reading at all

Answer 1

When operated over a muddy bottom, a fathometer may indicate greater depth than actual due to refraction of sound waves in water.

Step-by-step explanation:

When operated over a muddy bottom, a fathometer may indicate greater depth than actual. This is because of the phenomenon of refraction of sound waves in water. Sound waves travel at different speeds in different mediums, and when they encounter a change in medium, such as from water to mud, they can change direction. In this case, the sound waves may bend away from the normal and continue traveling in the water, causing the fathometer to incorrectly measure a greater depth than the actual.