acoustic mine

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A mine that either passively listens to a target's sound noises or periodically interrogates its environment by actively emitting acoustic pulses that may return echoes if prospective targets come within range. A mine is an underwater weapon consisting of a shell case containing high explosives. Mines can be planted by airplanes, surface ships, or submarines. There are three types: drifting mines, moored mines held at a given depth by a cable anchored to the bottom, and bottom mines, which rest on the sea floor. A mine can be activated by various means, such as by contact with a target, by sensing a target's magnetic field, by listening to the acoustic noises from a target, by sensing the excess pressure field from a target passing above it, by reception of acoustic echoes that a target may return to the mine's sonar after it has sent out its interrogating pings, or by a combination of these. See also Sonar.

Also sonic mine a naval mine that is activated by the acoustic field of a ship or sweep while ignoring typical noise frequencies and sounds of marine life.

See the Introduction, Abbreviations and Pronunciation for further details.

(DOD, NATO) A mine with an acoustic circuit which responds to the acoustic field of a ship or sweep. See also mine.