Bathymetry

/bəˈθɪmətri/ noun

Definition

The measurement and mapping of water depth in oceans, lakes, and other bodies of water. It reveals the underwater topography and three-dimensional shape of the seafloor.

Etymology

From Greek 'bathys' meaning 'deep' and 'metron' meaning 'measure'. The term was coined in the 19th century as scientists developed techniques to systematically map ocean depths.

Kelly Says

We know more about the surface of Mars than we do about our own ocean floor! Bathymetric mapping has revealed underwater mountain ranges, deep valleys, and even entire ecosystems that exist in complete darkness thousands of meters below the surface.

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