Topic
Seafloor Mapping
Featured Resources
Large portions of the global ocean still lack modern, high-resolution maps. A key part of exploration is creating maps to plan efficient and safe expeditions. Multibeam sonars collect high-resolution data using multiple, simultaneous sonar beams (sound waves) at once in a fan-like pattern or “swath.” Multibeam sonar data allow teams to spot previously unseen features such as seamounts, deep-sea sandwaves, faults, ancient coral reefs. Check out the resources below and learn how this technology works, explore some of the areas recently mapped in high resolution, and create your own seafloor maps using data from our expeditions.