Bathymetry is the scientific study and measurement of the depth and topography of ocean, sea, lake, or river floors, forming the underwater analog of terrestrial topography. It relies on techniques such as single-beam and multibeam echo sounding, airborne lidar bathymetry, and satellite-derived methods to map seafloor morphology with high spatial resolution. Bathymetric data are fundamental for hydrodynamic and circulation modeling, habitat mapping, submarine geohazard assessment, navigation safety, and marine spatial planning. In research, bathymetry underpins analyses of tectonic and sedimentary processes, coastal erosion and inundation risk, tsunami propagation, and interactions between ocean dynamics and seafloor structure.
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