Ocean Month ends today, but there are many reasons to keep celebrating! NOAA just joined an initiative to map the world ocean floor: 2022 marks 50 years of landmark ocean/coastal legislation: Learn more:
High-resolution bathymetry mapping data collected by multibeam sonar reveals complex topographic features of the seafloor in San Francisco Bay, California. In the same way that topographic maps represent the three-dimensional features of overland terrain, bathymetric maps illustrate the land that lies underwater. Variations in sea-floor relief may be depicted by color and contour lines called depth contours or isobaths.
Seabed data is foundational for determining how the ocean works. Beyond navigation, the shape of the ocean floor plays a big role in the movement of ocean debris and pollution on its surfaces and currents. Knowledge about the depths can provide insights into sustainable fisheries management. Ocean acidification is also directly linked to depth; some areas may experience more chemical change and be less able to sustain healthy ecosystems than others.
Climate change impacts can also vary widely depending on depth since deeper areas may experience different temperature fluctuations than shallow areas. Identifying and monitoring underwater volcanoes also helps scientists predict tsunamis more effectively, potentially helping to save lives across huge swaths of coastline around the world.shown here preparing to survey maritime routes along the west coast of Alaska, is one of several NOAA ships used to map the seafloor.
As of this summer, 23.4 percent of the ocean is mapped, reflecting an increase of 10.1 million square kilometers of new bathymetric data from 2021. The new number represents contributions from a wide and diverse group of stakeholders, including various nations, government agencies, private companies, philanthropic partners, and academic institutions.
In many locations, seabed mapping is done close to shore to enhance national security or protect a particular country’s economic interests. NOAA's mission — to understand and predict our changing environment, from the deep sea to outer space and to manage and conserve U.S. coastal and marine resources — makes participation in Seabed 2030 a natural fit.
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