A 2012 high-resolution 3-D sonar image provided by the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration showing the remains of the USS Hatteras (© James Glaeser, NOAA, Northwest Hydro Inc./AP Photo)

Rad 3-D sonar images show Civil War shipwreck like never seen before

1/20/2013

If you were over the moon (or under the sea, perhaps) over the possible Viking shipwreck last year, boy, will this be a treat — and this one is much closer to home. Scientists have released nerdy-cool 3-D sonar images of the only U.S. Navy ship sunk in Civil War combat in the Gulf of Mexico. The awesome photos cut through the ocean's murkiness, offering a better, more high-res view than you'd see even if you went scuba diving at the wreckage. Archaeologists spent two days using sonar imaging technology to map out previously unseen details like the paddle wheel, stern, rudder and, most excitingly, a shell hole that might have been one of the ship's "fatal wounds." [Source]

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