Mapping the Ocean Floor

Mapping the ocean floor involves using advanced technology, like sonar and satellites, to create detailed images of the underwater landscape. Sonar systems send sound waves downward; when these waves hit the seafloor, they bounce back and are measured to determine distances. Satellites utilize gravitational and magnetic measurements to identify variations on the ocean surface caused by underwater features. Combining these methods helps scientists understand the shape, features, and geology of the ocean floor, which is crucial for navigation, studying Earth's processes, and discovering resources. This process reveals the largely unexplored and complex terrain beneath the oceans' surface.