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Deep Seafloor Features Mapping the seafloor Bathymetry- study and mapping of seafloor elevations Techniques Early explorers measured depth with rope Echo sounder- determines depth by measuring the time required for sound to leave a ship, reflect off the bottom, and return

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Mapping the seafloor Techniques Multibeam sonar system- takes several sounding at a time; faster Satellites- measure very large scale sea floor features by determining changes in sea surface elevation

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Deep seafloor features Continental shelf- nearly flat borders on the edge of continents that slope toward ocean basins Continental slope- steep slope extending to seafloor

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continental rise- gentle slope formed at the base of the continental slope, formed by accumulated sediments

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Deep seafloor features Abyssal Plain- vast plain extending seaward from base of continental slope Mid- ocean ridge- underwater mountain range, typically having a valley known as a rift running along its spine

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Deep Seafloor features Seamount- steep sided volcanoes rising abruptly, sometimes piercing the sea surface to become islands Guyot- flat- topped seamounts Trench- long, narrow depressions of the sea floor; deepest parts of the ocean