Be familiar with submarine canyons and turbidity currents. Recognize features of the mid- ocean ridge. Be able to define seamounts and tablemounts, and understand coral reef development. Be familiar with the dynamics of subduction zones and associated deep sea trenches. Understanding the basic bathymetric features of the ocean is important because these features are related to plate tectonics and drive many of the biological and chemical dynamics in the ocean.
Bathymetry is the study of ocean depth .
Bathymetry in oceanography is akin to topography in geography. An understanding of bathymetry is essential for understanding other basic oceanic phenomena whether they be physical, chemical or biological. There are a number of techniques for determining bathymetry and geological features. There is an uneven distribution of area at different depths and elevations. Scientists use the time it takes the refracted wave to travel from the source to the receiver to calculate density, depth, and thickness of the rock layer.