BathymetryMap
An Interactive Global Map of Sea Floor Topography Based on
Satellite Altimetry & Ship Depth Soundings
Meghan Miller, Walter H.F. Smith, John Kuhn, & David T. Sandwell
The following is an interactive version of the Smith & Sandwell (1997)
global ocean bathymetry map, the most complete, high-resolution image
of sea floor topography currently available.
The map was constructed by blending depth soundings collected from
ships with detailed gravity anomaly information obtained from the
Geosat and
ERS-1 satellite altimetry missions.
This combination of data yields a globally uniform level of resolution
ideal for displaying major tectonic features, such as mid-ocean
spreading ridges or fracture zones.
To examine a particular area in more detail, select a zoom factor,
then click on a point in the map. The next image will be
zoomed and centered on that point. To generate an annotated
GMT/PostScript version of a particular map, or an Ascii file
(longitude, latitude, elevation/depth in meters), click on the
appropriate button below the map, then click on "Here" to download.
Smith, Walter H.F., and David T. Sandwell, "Global Sea Floor Topography from Satellite Altimetry and Ship Depth Soundings", Science, 277, 1956-1962, 1997
A 34"x53" color poster of the global map can be purchased from the
NOAA National Data Centers' Online StoreAlso see NOAA Compilation of Multibeam Swath Bathymetry.Go to top of page.Go to Lab home page.