Curious about how and why scientists map the ocean floor? Learn more about bathymetry: the study of underwater floors in oceans, rivers, or lakes! Just like dry land, the surface of the seafloor is not always flat––it can have coral reefs, mountainous ridges, deep canyons, and many other features that can be revealed in bathymetric data. Check out our latest ocean fact to learn more about what bathymetry is and why it is important: https://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/facts/bathymetry.html | NOAA Ocea

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Think sea stars are slow movers who spend most of their time resting on the seafloor? Think again! Check out this sea star cruising across the seafloor on its tube feet. (And watch for the tiny brittle star hustling to get out of the way!) Being able to see this sea star in action, as opposed to as a collected specimen, can provide scientists with new insights into the morphology and behavior of deep-sea stars. For more videos from the Okeanos Explorer Atlantic Canyons and Seamounts 2014 expedit