Page 15 - Oceans

Titles:E.Explore_Ocean (ED594)
Titles:E.Explore_Ocean (ED594)
140177
140177
1:30 NT1-5
1:30 NT1-5
2
2
012
K07/13
013
05/05/07
05/05/07
K07/13
Size: 216 x 276 (Bleed5mm)
Size: 216 x 276 (Bleed5mm)
000
206
206
000
.
13
Chain of large
seamounts
> Sonar SurveyS
The early research ships spent a lot
of time measuring ocean depths using
extremely long, weighted sounding
lines. This gave way to echo-sounding Flat ocean floor
or sonar techniques, and
eventually side-scan sonar,
which produces 3-D views, Isolated volcano
as in this image of the Pacific
ocean floor off South America.
Deep chasm on
fault line
< deep-Sea drilling
Many oceanic theories have been
investigated by sampling the rocks of the
ocean floor at various places and depths
to build up a picture of its composition. Midocean ridge
The Japanese drilling vessel Chikyu can
drill to depths of 23,000 ft (7,000 m)
or more below the ocean floor, in
waters 8,200 ft (2,500 m) deep—a
total depth greater than the height
of Mount Everest.
oceanography

satellite information

Data collected by satellites has proved
extremely valuable to oceanographers. Gravity
measurements taken by sensors mounted on
satellites have provided the most accurate
images yet of the ocean floors, as in this image
of the Atlantic Ocean. Other sensors are able to
gather data on temperatures, ice cover, ocean
currents, and plankton distribution, which can
then be used to build up accurate, up-to-date
maps. Satellite images also give us superb views
of oceanic weather systems, including hurricanes.