The four methods used to explore the topography and rocks of the seafloor.
Answer to Problem 1BYL
The mapping of the ocean floor needs remote observation of the ocean bottom with the help of the sound waves bouncing off the ocean floor and by some other methods. The rock samples present on or underneath the ocean floor are being collected by the geologists and oceanographers by traveling down into the ocean in small submarines (submersibles) or using ships for drilling holes through the rock and sediment. Important information on the ocean floor may also be obtained from the satellites moving in the Earth’s orbit.
Explanation of Solution
The exploration of seafloor is tougher than the exploration of land. The mapping of some portions of the ocean floor can be done by sending sound waves from a ship into the ocean, which reflects back to the sensors fixed on the ship after touching the ocean bottom. The time taken by the sound waves to travel from the ship and return back to the sensors is taken to calculate the depth of the ocean floor. This is referred to the sonar technique.
The use of submersibles, which are small submarines that can carry two or three individuals, is another way to study the ocean floor. The direct observation of the geologic features and processes occurring at the ocean floor becomes possible in case of submersibles. Photographs can be taken, and the samples of seawater, rocks, and life forms can be collected by the scientists from the submersibles. Smaller robotic varieties of submersibles can be operated from the ship itself.
With the help of specially equipped research vessels, the geologists are able to drill exploration holes into the ocean floor. The samples of volcanic and sedimentary rocks that compose the upper portion of the ocean crust could be recovered by the scientists. The layers retained in the drill cores facilitate the geologists to reconstruct the series of past events, the age of the rocks, and the changes in the sea water chemistry with time.
The satellites orbiting around the Earth can give significant data on the oceans. Most of the satellites observe the ocean floor found beneath very shallow water. They are basically used in surface measurements such as the surface-water temperature or the sea surface height.
Want to see more full solutions like this?
Chapter 10 Solutions
PRINT UPGRADE-EXPLORING GEOLOGY
- Evaporation Evaporation 320,000 km³ Oceans Hydrologic Cycle Precipitation Precipitation 96,000 km³ Precipitation 284,000 km³ Evaporation/Transpiration 60,000 km³ Runoff 36,000 km³ Runoff Infiltrationarrow_forward1. Globally, from which source does more water evaporate into the atmosphere: oceans or land? 2. Approximately what percentage of the total water evaporated into the atmosphere comes from the oceans?Percentage from oceans = Ocean evaporation/Total evaporation × 100% = _____ % 3. Notice in Figure 8.1 that more water evaporates from the oceans than is returned directly by precipitation. If sea level is not dropping, identify a source of water for the oceans in addition to precipitation. 4. Worldwide, about how much of the precipitation that falls on the land becomes runoff: 35, 55, or 75 percent? 5. Much of the water that falls on land does not immediately return to the ocean via runoff. Instead, it is temporarily stored in reservoirs such as lakes. In some mountainous and polar regions, what features serve as reservoirs to temporarily store water?arrow_forwardEnergy conservation is one way to decrease dependence on fossil fuels. What are some things that can be done at home, work, or school that would reduce fossil-fuel use and save money?arrow_forward
- Since the 1970s, the median age of people in North America has done what? Increased Decreased Stayed about the same Decreased dramaticallyarrow_forwardNorth America has experienced a demographic transition that resulted in what kind of changes in the population of North America? Lower birthrates, lower death rates, and longer life expectancies Higher birthrates, lower death rates, and longer life expectancies Lower birthrates, higher death rates, and shorter life expectancies Higher birthrates, higher death rates, and shorter life expectanciesarrow_forwardAccording to the views of animal rights activists opposed to animal experimentation which of the following statements applies? Animal experimentation should be permitted only when medical progress cannot be achieved in any other way. Animal experimentation should be permitted only when the animals involved come from a shelter where they were destined to be killed. Animals have the same rights and moral status that human beings do. We should not apply Kant's Practical Imperative to animals.arrow_forward
- 72 ic 18 The planets 1 Can you find eleven Solar System words in the grid? e E W b V e n a e P r r + h C i - PU 0 0 n c e t S c e r P W n P i t e r U 6 r f U n - K σ г m a r S n W e t Y g n d r e E C Y O P U S t a r > S a t U r n 2 Rearrange the letters into the names of the planets. a ucerr My c un Ves e hrtEa g sarM b ruepitj d rntSau f uneNtep_ h nasu Urarrow_forwardAnswer the photoarrow_forwardwhat are your thoughts on the critical importance of soil management and its impact on agricultural productivity and environmental health, and role of conservation tillage. write in first personarrow_forward
- Five arguments that the Water Bottle Bill was passed as a means of "revenue" enhancement In developing your arguments you should start at the website of the Connecticut State Library which contains the history of all legislation passed by the Connecticut Legislature http://ctstatelibrary.org/leghistory_ to gather the information for your arguments. use referencesarrow_forwardDescribe the importance of recycling household solid wastesarrow_forwardWhy is food waste a growing concern? Describe how some communities are addressing the food waste issue.arrow_forward
Applications and Investigations in Earth Science ...Earth ScienceISBN:9780134746241Author:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. TasaPublisher:PEARSON
Exercises for Weather & Climate (9th Edition)Earth ScienceISBN:9780134041360Author:Greg CarbonePublisher:PEARSON
Environmental ScienceEarth ScienceISBN:9781260153125Author:William P Cunningham Prof., Mary Ann Cunningham ProfessorPublisher:McGraw-Hill Education
Earth Science (15th Edition)Earth ScienceISBN:9780134543536Author:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. TasaPublisher:PEARSON
Environmental Science (MindTap Course List)Earth ScienceISBN:9781337569613Author:G. Tyler Miller, Scott SpoolmanPublisher:Cengage Learning
Physical GeologyEarth ScienceISBN:9781259916823Author:Plummer, Charles C., CARLSON, Diane H., Hammersley, LisaPublisher:Mcgraw-hill Education,