Sonar technology, short for Sound Navigation and Ranging, uses sound waves to detect and locate objects underwater. It works by sending out sound pulses and measuring how long it takes for the echoes to return. This helps in mapping the ocean floor, finding shipwrecks, and even tracking marine life like whales and fish. There are two main types of sonar: active sonar, which emits sound waves, and passive sonar, which listens for sounds made by other objects. This technology is essential for submarines, fishing boats, and research vessels to navigate and explore the underwater world effectively.