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Education Theme

Seafloor Mapping

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, shipwrecks, and more.

Choose from the sections below to further explore ocean exploration education resources on seafloor mapping.

Jump to Section Lessons Fact Sheets Exploration Notes Ocean Facts Deep-sea Dialogues Expeditions Images and Videos

Lessons

These selected ocean exploration lessons were developed by educators and scientists to demonstrate key ocean mapping concepts. Lessons support the Next Generation Science Standards and the Ocean Literacy Essential Principles and Fundamental Concepts. (Note: The links provided in lessons are verified at the time of publication, but over time, may change or become obsolete.)

A plume of bubbles is shown rising from the seafloor at Vailulu’u Seamount in the mid-water multibeam sonar data.
Wet Maps

Grade Level: 6-8
Focus: Earth Science/Technology

Students analyze and interpret data to explain how multibeam sonar is used to identify patterns of ocean floor structures, construct three-dimensional maps, and understand how multibeam sonar technology extends the measurement and exploration capacity of modern ocean exploration.
In the Fledermaus scenes, the ocean floor is shown as a three-dimensional image.
Watching in 3D

Grade Level: 9-12
Focus: Technology/Physical Science/Life Sciences

Students explore how multibeam sonar is used to study the shape and composition of the ocean floor and, through multiple Case Studies and video samples, learn to analyze and interpret maps of specific seafloor features using authentic multibeam sonar data.

Additional Seafloor Mapping Resources

Fact Sheets
Exploration Notes - Field Stories
Ocean Facts

These items are only a selection of the educational materials highlighting seafloor mapping on our website.

For more lessons and background information explore the Deep Ocean Education Project Website.

Searching for something? Email us: oceanexeducation@noaa.gov