What method can be used to measure the depth of water while accounting for hydrostatic pressure?

The method that effectively measures the depth of water while accounting for hydrostatic pressure is the hydrostatic gauge. This device measures the pressure exerted by the weight of the water above it, which directly correlates with the depth of the water. The deeper the water, the greater the pressure, allowing for a precise determination of depth based on the principles of hydrostatics.

In contrast, acoustic signal measurement utilizes sound waves to gauge depth, but it does not directly account for hydrostatic pressure; it measures the time it takes for an acoustic signal to travel to the bottom and back up, which can be affected by various factors such as temperature and salinity. Thermometric depth measurement typically involves understanding temperature variations within water bodies but does not accurately measure depth through pressure changes. The hydrometer technique measures the specific gravity of a liquid, which can provide some information about density but is not designed for direct depth measurement.

The hydrostatic gauge stands out as it provides a clear, pressure-based understanding of water depth, making it the most appropriate option in this scenario.