Have students select a horizontal transect on their maps that they would be interested in studying. The transect should be a straight line from one point on the map to another. Using a ruler, have each student draw a straight line on their map to indicate the location of the transect. To help illustrate the underwater topography along a transect, have students make profile charts. Once students have collected data along their transects and created data tables, have them create profile charts to show the underwater topography.
Students can refer to their data tables for ranges of values.
5 Have students use their data tables to plot the points on their profile charts, then draw a profile by connecting the points on the chart. 6 Give each student a copy of the Benthic Habitat Types handout. Have them determine what kinds of sediments they would find along their transects and indicate these on their maps. Students may not have answers to these questions, but asking them is an essential part of doing science and is the first step in scientific inquiry. 8 One of the fishes inhabiting NOAA's Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is the center of study for an Expeditions investigation.