What is the primary difference between acoustic and influence mines?

The primary difference is that acoustic mines are designed to be triggered by sound, while influence mines activate in response to various physical effects, such as changes in magnetic fields, pressure, or the wake turbulence of a vessel. Acoustic mines use hydrophones to detect specific sound frequencies produced by ships or submarines, allowing them to remain dormant until a target is detected. Influence mines, on the other hand, are sensitive to different environmental factors, which can include the physical presence or movement of objects in their vicinity, allowing them to detonate as a result of these influences instead of just sound. This distinction underscores the differing triggering mechanisms employed by each type of mine in naval warfare.