Marine topography

Marine topography is like a map of the ocean floor. Just like how we have mountains and valleys on land, there are also mountains and valleys in the ocean.

Sometimes, the ocean floor is really deep, like a big hole. These are called trenches. Other times, the ocean floor is really high, like a tall mountain. These are called seamounts.

There are also flat areas in the ocean that are like plains. And there are places where hot water comes out of the ground, like hot springs, but in the ocean. These are called hydrothermal vents.

Scientists use special tools and machines, like sonar and satellites, to make maps of the ocean floor. By looking at these maps, they can learn more about the ocean and how it works.