bathymetry
buh-THIM-uh-tree
/bəˈθɪm.ə.tri/
The measurement and mapping of depths and underwater topography of ocean, sea, or lake beds.
The underwater equivalent of topography, focusing on mapping subterranean slopes, trenches, and plains.
The story behind the word. Formed from Greek bathys, meaning deep, and metron, meaning measure. It literally translates to 'measuring the deep.'
Word relationships
- underwater topography: Underwater topography is a descriptive phase, while bathymetry is the formal scientific discipline and dataset.
Commonly confused with
- topography: Topography measures shapes and features of dry land surfaces above water.
Word family
- bathymetric (adjective): Relating to the measurement of water depth.
Collocations
- bathymetry map
- detailed bathymetry
- bathymetry survey
- coastal bathymetry
Example sentences
- "Satellite sonar systems have greatly improved our detailed mapping of ocean bathymetry." Hydrographic surveying
Memory hook
BATH + METRY: measuring the depth of the giant ocean bath tub. Measuring deep underwater features.
When not to use
Do not use for measuring land heights above sea level; use topography or altimetry.
Fun facts
- Less than 25 percent of the world's ocean floor has been mapped with high-resolution bathymetry.
Related words
Explore more words
topography, terrain, cartography, altitude, subsidence, salinity
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