The #1 tool for shipwreck hunting is the Side Scan Sonar.  Side Scan units use ultrasonic waves to locate objects on the bottom by sending out these waves on an angle from one or both sides of the towfish.  Because of this angular direction of the ultrasonic waves, the images given on the output show shadows of the objects.  These shadows can aid in trying to identify what the object might be because it gives a 3D effect to the image which helps to judge the height of the object off the bottom.

Generally, rough objects reflect sound well in many directions and are therefore good sonar targets. Smooth angular surfaces may give a very strong reflection in one particular direction, but almost none at all in other directions. Some objects, such as smooth plane surfaces, may be difficult to see with a sonar. They can act as a perfect mirror (so called specular reflectors), reflecting the sonar pulse off in unexpected directions, never to return. This happens to people visually, when they see an object reflected in a window. The human eye deals with such reflections daily but it is surprising to see the same thing occur with a sonar image. As with normal vision, it is often useful to scan targets from different positions, to help identify them. A target which is unrecognizable from one direction may be quite easy to identify from another. It is very important to note that the ranges shown to the targets on the sonar image are "slant" ranges. Usually the relative elevations of the targets are not known, only the range from the transducer. This means that two targets, which are displayed in the same location on the screen may be at different elevations. For example, you might see a target on the bottom, and a target floating on the surface in the same place. By analyzing the shadows you can estimate the height of objects above the bottom.