Why do we map with multibeam sonar? While most of the planet’s surface has been mapped by satellites registering gravity changes on the ocean’s surface, only 13% of the oceans have been *acoustically* mapped–and the difference in the maps is clear! Here’s an image of a recent seamount we mapped off Baja California, with a ghostly overlay of the original satellite map. Scientists use this detailed high resolution data to improve weather forecasting, study seafloor habitats, and plan future ROV exploration. Image processed with QPS maritime geomatic software solutions.
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