1. The Ocean Floor

2. Studying the Ocean Floor  It has been said that scientist know more about the surface of the moon than about the ocean floor.  Why do you think the ocean is so difficult to study and what kinds of technology would help scientist learn about the deep ocean floor? Robert Ballaard: On Exploring the Ocean.On Exploring the Ocean.

3. Studying the Ocean Floor  Robert Ballaard: On Exploring the OceanOn Exploring the Ocean.  3 Facts, 1 Lie A. NOAA could fund ocean exploration for 1,600 years with NASA’s annual budget. B. 72% of our planet’s surface is covered with ocean. C. The average depth of the ocean is 8000 feet. D. Most of the Southern Hemispheres Ocean is unexplored.

4. I. Bathymetry  Bathymetry: The discovery and study of ocean floor contours.  Bathymetric profiles below shows water depth.

5. II. Technology A. Sonar : So und n avigation a nd r anging. 1. Measures sound waves to determine depth and contours of the seafloor.

6. 2. Calculating Depth  Calculate depth by taking half the travel time and multiply it by an average speed of sound in water (1,500m/s). d= t (1,500m/s) 2 NOAANOAA: Okeanos Explorer SONAR

7. Calculating Depth  If it took 10 seconds for sound pulse to return to a ship using standard sonar, what would be the depth at this location?  Answer: 7500m

8. B. Satellite  Satellite technology can map the ocean floor, measure the direction and speed of currents, as well as measure biological productivity in oceans. Examples: Geosat & Seasat

9. Complex system of ridges, trenches and fracture zones based on GeoSat data.

10. C. Submersibles  AUV Autonomous Underwater Vehicle AUV  ROV Remotely Operated Vehicle  HOV Human Occupied Vehicle Dive and Discover Weblink DIVE! ROV Website Icy Depths