ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

GEOHAB

Imagine you're in a big swimming pool with some friends. Some parts of the pool are very shallow, while other parts are very deep. Now, imagine that the swimming pool is actually the ocean, and instead of a flat bottom, the ocean floor is also very uneven. This unevenness is called bathymetry.

Now, imagine that we want to study the different types of animals and plants that live in the ocean at different depths and in different types of habitats. We can't just dive down and swim around all over the place - the ocean is too big and too dangerous for that. So, scientists have come up with a special program called Geohab, which stands for "Geological and Biological Habitat Mapping."

Geohab helps scientists map out the ocean floor and identify different habitats, like coral reefs or hydrothermal vents. This helps them plan where and how to study different marine creatures. To do this, they use special equipment called sonars, which send out sound waves that bounce off the ocean floor and create a 3D map. They also use cameras and other tools to explore the ocean floor and collect data about the animals and plants that live there.

Geohab is important because it helps scientists learn more about the ocean and its creatures, which can help us protect and conserve these important habitats for future generations.