Recent research suggests that underwater microphones might play a crucial role in locating airplanes like Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 when they crash into the ocean. The flight disappeared on March 8, 2014, en route from Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Malaysia to Beijing Capital International Airport in China. While some debris has been found, the mystery of MH370’s disappearance remains unsolved. Researchers at Cardiff University propose a method to detect such lost aircraft using signals captured by underwater microphones.
Utilizing Hydrophones to Locate Ocean Crashes
According to Cardiff University’s study, signals from underwater microphones, or hydrophones, could be key in identifying the locations of planes that crash into the ocean. The research involved analyzing over 100 hours of data from hydrophones following ten past aircraft crashes and one submarine loss. Published in Scientific Reports, the findings suggest further investigation into MH370’s last known position and provide a framework for handling similar incidents in the future.
Detecting Acoustic Signatures of Ocean Crashes
The study highlights that severe ocean accidents, such as plane crashes, produce distinct acoustic signatures that can travel vast distances underwater and be recorded by hydrophones located at various positions on the sea floor. The team discovered that clear pressure signals from previous plane crashes could be detected by hydrophones at distances exceeding 3,000 kilometers.
Official investigations into the MH370 case suggest the plane likely crashed near the “seventh arc,” where it last communicated with INMARSAT. The primary search area along this arc is about 2,000 kilometers from the hydroacoustic station at Cape Leeuwin, Australia. However, within the proposed time and location by the official investigation, only a relatively weak signal was detected. Researchers advocate for more detailed evaluations.
Controlled Explosions for Comparative Analysis
Researchers propose that authorities create controlled explosions along the seventh arc, allowing the signals collected by hydrophones to be compared. According to the study, such tests, with energy levels comparable to those involved in MH370’s disappearance, could shed light on the plane’s location. A similar method was used during the search for the ARA San Juan submarine, which disappeared off the coast of Argentina in 2017. The researchers believe this method is relatively straightforward to implement.
Potential to Pinpoint MH370’s Location
Researchers argue that using these methods and applications, the location of MH370 could be pinpointed with near certainty. Despite extensive multinational search efforts, the whereabouts of the plane and the fate of its 239 passengers and crew remain unknown. Dr. Usama Kadri, who is behind the study, mentioned that while they haven’t found a signal with the precision needed to start a new search for the missing plane, following their recommendations could help evaluate the observed signals and potentially shed light on MH370’s location.
This innovative approach offers a glimmer of hope for solving one of aviation’s greatest mysteries and provides a new tool for future search and rescue missions in the vast and challenging oceanic environment.
