Sounding the Sea; A Study in Bathymetric Mapping

1.       Identify the research questions for this activity, and your ideas/answers to those questions.

2.       Define the following ocean floor features (your model maps contained at least three of them) and provide pictures for three of them:

a.       A flat abyssal plain.

b.      An underwater seamount or guyot.

c.       A continental shelf, break, slope, and rise.

d.      A submarine canyon on the continental shelf.

e.      The mid-ocean ridge.

f.        A trench and island arc system.

3.       Write up responses to the three analysis questions above.

4.       Write two new research questions based on what you have learned from this activity:

5.       What was the value and importance of this activity to your study of science.

Ocean floor features can be measured and mapped using current acoustical technology such as bathymetric mapping and sonar technology. Ocean floor maps can be used in the commercial, military, and/or private sector by identifying underwater objects such as submarines. A flat abyssal plain is any flat or gently sloping sediment-covered section of the ocean floor.An underwater seamount is an underwater mountain rising from the ocean floor and having a peaked or flat-topped summit below the surface of the water.  A trench/island arc system is a group of volcanic islands, usually situated in a curving arch-like pattern that is convex toward the open ocean, having a deep trench on the convex side.

Flat Abyssal Plain

Underwater Seamount

Trench./Island Arc System

 http://www.morning-earth.org/Graphic-E/BIOSPHERE/Bios-PL-BenthicBiomes1.htm

http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/news/weeklynews/may10/seamounts.html

http://news.dbv.vn/japan-said-chinas-claim-to-okinawa-as-unthinking-27511.html

Based on my seafloor model, the topography of my surveryed area was flat in some places with gentle slopes/valleys/inclines. Most measurements were basically the same; all between 6.5 and 8.5 inches with many areas consisting of the same measurement, usually 7.5. We used a simulation of remote sensing technology, which is better than direct observation because it measures every possible valley and incline, rather than our eyes just skimming over and capturing the general idea. In the real ocean, direct observation would not be useful because we cannot see the ocean floor clearly from an aerial view. It also gives you more coverage; a bigger area of measurement. We used vertical exaggeration because it stretches out the sea floor, exposing every detail. The value and importance of this activity to my study of science was that I learned new ways to measure the ocean floor and discovered technology I wasn't previously aware of. It opened up new horizons to my future in science, since I want to go into environmental studies.

Two new research questions

1. How else could bathymetric mapping be useful?
2. What would a bathymetric map look like when complete?

Dancing of the Continents

Through the "Dancing of the Continents" activity, I learned which continents shared things such as mountain rages and animal fossils with which continents. Before this activity, I though Pangea was shaped differently; more like a circular-looking continent, when in reality it looks more like an "L". This applies to the theory of continental drift because it discusses how the continents 'slide' over the ocean floor. The theory of sea-floor spreading states that magma oozes up between the plates, hardening and spreading them further apart, therefore moving the continents. The plates move thanks to the Theory of Plate Tectonics; the Earth's crust is broken into six large plates and many smaller ones. Scientists of different disciplines may share information such as their theories on continental drift by finding common ground in their studies and making connections between their different ideas.

Memorandum

Assignment: "You are a biological oceanographer studying and documenting the breeding habits of a clam that lives in a depth range of 40 to 140 meters (130 to 459.3 feet). The clams are found only in the South Pacific about seven days sailing from the closest port. The breeding cycle takes place nightly and lasts 4 to 6 hours."

In order to study this clam, I would begin by forming a team of fellow scientists. We would work together to choose and purchase a submersible- possibly the one produced in our last project. That way, we would be able to stay close to the clam for as long as we needed. Since the habitat is seven days away from the closest port, we wouldn't be able to go back and forth to replenish our supplies. Therefore, we would need plenty of food, clean water, pillows and blankets, sampling supplies, diving equipment, and other experimenting tools to last us as long as necessary. The weather probably wouldn't stay constant the whole time we were there, so variables could include currents and water temperature. We would sample the water, sand, and breeding area in order to identify the conditions necessary for clam reproduction.

Observatory Installation

Underwater observation is a crucial part of ocean research, but can be extremely tricky. Humans are obviously not built to breathe underwater, so creating a livable habitat for them takes time, thought, and effort. Sensors must be installed to indicate things like oxygen levels and seismic activity. Since scientists will be housing there, they needst only a laboratory  but also places to eat and sleep. You must also take into account the dangers of the deep sea. For example, if you were stationed next to an active underwater volcano, precautions would need to be taken. The hardest part must be installing a successful observatory without disrupting the ocean's wildlife and environment. Observatory installation comes with a lot of hard work and responsibility  but if it's done right, it truly benefits scientific research.

Why Explore The Oceans?

Exploring the ocean is an important part of understanding the influence you have on the planet and the influence it has on you. The ocean has caused people to explore since the beginning of time. Many have tried to sail across the seas and discover new land. Countless lives are lost on such voyages. However, ocean exploration also leads to new settlement and colonization. We are able to trade with other countries and harvest some of its bountiful supplies. Ocean exploration has led to the creation of inventions such as the compass. I'm learning a lot by studying explorers, and discovering how we influence the ocean as well.

Why Study Oceanography?

It's important to understand the world you're living in. I decided to take this class because the study of science is the study of your own life. You can discover the causes and effects of things happening right in front of you that are otherwise overlooked. Not only did it seem like an interesting class, but I also hope to major in environmental science when I go to college and eventually find a career in that field.