What does the process of seafloor mapping involve?

The process of seafloor mapping primarily involves creating detailed maps of the seafloor. This procedure utilizes various techniques like sonar, satellite altimetry, and underwater surveys to gather data regarding the topography, composition, and geomorphology of the ocean floor. These maps are crucial for many applications, including naval operations, environmental monitoring, geological studies, and resource exploration.

While navigation maps are indeed important, the distinction lies in that seafloor mapping focuses specifically on the underwater landscape rather than just navigation. Surface currents and wave patterns relate more to oceanography and hydrodynamics rather than the physical mapping of the seafloor itself. Assessing the temperature of ocean water, while relevant to ocean studies, does not contribute to the physical mapping of the seafloor, which is the central objective of seafloor mapping.