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One use of sonar is locating an item underwater. (There are many other uses). An emitter sends out a single sharp sound. The time until the sound is picked up by a network of microphones is measured. The first microphone to pick up the echo is the closest to the item. Dividing the time by the speed of sound in that depth and temperature of water, then dividing by two, gives the distance to the target item. The direction is given by mathematical analysis of the returning sound by the three closest microphones. Finally, movement of the object is analyzed in two ways ... first, if the frequency of the returning sound is the same as that originally sent out, the object is stationary. If the frequency is lower, the item is moving away and if higher, the item is moving closer to the emitter. Second, a second "ping" is issued from the emitter. The time to the first return of the sound is compared to the first "ping". This allows a comparison of distances.

Bats have been shown to use a very similar system (in air) to locate mice.

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