The Terrifying Power of Sonar: What Happens if You Get Hit?

Imagine you're deep in the ocean, surrounded by the vast expanse of the Big Blue. Suddenly, out of nowhere, a large shadow appears, hundreds of times bigger than you. It's a submarine. The mere sight of it is terrifying, but what's even scarier is the thought of being hit by the submarine's active sonar.

The Basics of Sonar: Sonar is a navigation technique that uses sound to detect surroundings and measure distances. It has been used by humans since as early as 1490, with Leonardo da Vinci being credited for its first recorded use. Sonar comes in two types: passive and active. Passive sonar involves listening for sound to detect objects, while active sonar emits sound waves and detects their reflections. It is the active sonar that we are particularly interested in.

active vs passive SONAR

Contrary to popular belief, sonar is not just a gentle ping sound like in the movies. It comes in a wide range of frequencies and intensities, depending on the equipment used and the purpose. In fact, sonar can be incredibly loud and can travel great distances underwater. Some sonar emitters used by the US Navy, for example, can generate pressure waves up to 235 decibels, which is comparable to the loudest sounds in the world.

If you were to get hit by high-intensity active sonar, it would be a grave situation. Sound at such high levels can create significant pressure changes in the water, similar to a shockwave. Even at a distance of hundreds of miles from the source, the intensity could cause painful hearing loss, nausea, and dizziness. However, it's essential to note that there are no records of anyone being killed by active sonar, and its use is limited due to the potential damage it can cause.

The impact of sonar on marine life is a grave concern. Animals like whales and dolphins, which also use sonar for navigation and communication, can be severely affected by the intense sound waves emitted by vessels. Marine creatures may swim hundreds of miles to escape the noise, and some have even caused self-injury or death by beaching themselves or rapidly changing depths, leading to decompression sickness.

While the idea of being hit by sonar is undeniably frightening, the chances of encountering a military submarine or vessel using high-intensity sonar are extremely slim. Submarines typically operate in remote areas and depths inaccessible to recreational divers. Sonar operators are also cautious about using high-intensity sonar due to its effects on marine life and the risk of giving away their position.

The underwater world is usually a serene and peaceful place, with the sounds of bubbles and water movement dominating the soundscape. However, the sudden arrival of active sonar can shatter that tranquility, causing fear and disturbance to both humans and marine life. While the possibility of being harmed by sonar remains highly unlikely, the importance of understanding and minimizing its impact on our oceans and its inhabitants cannot be overstated.