Science Common Sense

97 - How do scientists study the ocean floor?

To study the ocean floor, scientists use several cool tools.

1. Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs): These are like underwater robots that can dive deep and collect samples or take pictures and videos.
2. Submarines: Scientists can ride in submarines to explore the ocean floor.
3. Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs): These are like underwater drones that can swim on their own and map the ocean floor.
4. Satellites: Satellites in space can take pictures of the ocean floor, showing things like mountain ranges and deep trenches.
5. Sonar: Sonar is like a big echolocation system that sends sound waves to the ocean floor and listens for the echoes to create a map of the seafloor.
6. Coring: Scientists can collect samples of the ocean floor by drilling or using a special tool that sucks up sediment.

These tools help scientists learn more about the ocean floor, its creatures, and its features.