The USGS uses a variety of survey tools—including personal watercraft (jet skis) equipped with GPS and sonar—to measure how sandy coastlines change over time. Sandy coastlines are a valuable resource that protect human-made structures from waves, serve as habitat for important species, and provide a variety of recreational opportunities.
Mapping the Seafloor
The seafloor has distinct features and characteristics that help us better understand Earth’s current and past conditions, potential resources, and natural hazards. However, less than 10% of the seafloor has been mapped globally. The USGS conducts high-resolution mapping to describe the physical features of the ocean floor, as well as the geologic layers and structure beneath it.
What's on the seafloor?
The ocean covers more than 70% of the Earth’ surface, yet only a small part of the seafloor has been mapped with enough detail to understand the basic structure, risks, and living and mineral resources that exist there. Characterizing the ocean floor expands our ability to better understand large scale Earth processes along with improved knowledge about the seafloor, deep sea minerals and associated ecosystems. Through this process we can build a more complete view of Earth history, begin to recognize changes, and provide predictions about how the seafloor, underwater environments, and marine geohazards may change in the future.
Technology and Innovation in Seafloor Mapping
Just like the Earth’s land surface, the seafloor contains significant geological and biological features. Geological features include mountains, canyons, plateaus, ledges, and submarine volcanoes, all of which have variable substrate that can range from rocky outcrops to extensive muddy plains, sand ripples, and giant sediment fans along with chemical seeps. Visit the Ocean 101 page to learn more. View a slideshow featuring thickets of coral reefs, sponges, mussels, and the many wondrous creatures that live and move among them.
The USGS designs mapping research programs to address a wide range of topics, and to expand our understanding of deep sea minerals, offshore energy, marine biological habitats, hazards, and more. The USGS uses acoustic techniques to collect detailed information about the seafloor, such as its shape, sediment composition and distribution, and underlying geologic structure and sediment type. Seafloor video, photographs, sediment cores, and other samples are also collected to validate the acoustics and provide a comprehensive foundation for studies of sediment and contaminant transport, landslide and tsunami hazards, gas hydrates, methane and carbon flux, benthic habitat quality, and sediment availability. Managers, policymakers, and other stakeholders use the map products derived from these studies to make informed decisions regarding the Nation’s safety and economic prosperity.
USGS Role in Seafloor Mapping
From habitats to hazards, here are some examples of USGS seafloor mapping efforts.



Mapping the Continental Shelf
The USGS maps continental shelf areas to understand coastal system evolution, from sediment transport to habitat use. Through marine geologic mapping and characterization of inner continental shelf areas, USGS science expands understanding of coastal vulnerability, sediment sources, transport pathways, habitat type and ecosystem characteristics. These activities advance the research and technology essential to coastal evolution and environmental change science while also supporting state and national partners in managing coastal and marine resources and related decisions.



Mapping Beyond the Continental Shelf
Mapping of seafloor and geologic structure beyond the continental shelf is foundational to enhancing stewardship of natural resources, promoting economic prosperity, and strengthening the nation’s security.


Publications
California State Waters Map Series—Benthic habitat characterization in the region offshore Humboldt Bay, California
Controls on the stratigraphic architecture of the US Atlantic margin: Processes forming the accommodation space
Editorial: From cold seeps to hydrothermal vents: Geology, chemistry, microbiology, and ecology in marine and coastal environments
Photogrammetry of the deep seafloor from archived unmanned submersible exploration dives
California State waters map series—Benthic habitat characterization in the region offshore of Morro Bay, California
Science
Exploring Biodiversity of the Deep Hawaiian Pacific Ocean with Seafloor Mapping and eDNA Technologies
Delineating the U.S. Extended Continental Shelf
USGS Law of the Sea
SQUID-5 camera system
Cascadia Subduction Zone Marine Geohazards
Multimedia
The USGS uses a variety of survey tools—including personal watercraft (jet skis) equipped with GPS and sonar—to measure how sandy coastlines change over time. Sandy coastlines are a valuable resource that protect human-made structures from waves, serve as habitat for important species, and provide a variety of recreational opportunities.
Coral reef in La Parguera, Lajas Puerto Rico shows various types and conditions of corals, including sea fan corals (Gorgonia) in the center.
Coral reef in La Parguera, Lajas Puerto Rico shows various types and conditions of corals, including sea fan corals (Gorgonia) in the center.
Coral reef in La Parguera, Lajas Puerto Rico shows a sea fan coral (Gorgonia) in the center, surrounded other corals and fishes.
Coral reef in La Parguera, Lajas Puerto Rico shows a sea fan coral (Gorgonia) in the center, surrounded other corals and fishes.
Bathymetry is the science of measuring the depth of water in ocean, river and lake environments. Learn how USGS measures bathymetry in this video by the St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, originally created for the 2021 virtual St. Petersburg Science Festival.
Bathymetry is the science of measuring the depth of water in ocean, river and lake environments. Learn how USGS measures bathymetry in this video by the St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, originally created for the 2021 virtual St. Petersburg Science Festival.
The R/V Sallenger tows the SQUID-5 over Looe Key reef with a NOAA Sanctuary boat in the background patrolling the Looe Key area to warn recreational vessels of the ongoing research activity.
The R/V Sallenger tows the SQUID-5 over Looe Key reef with a NOAA Sanctuary boat in the background patrolling the Looe Key area to warn recreational vessels of the ongoing research activity.

Remotely operated vehicle Deep Discoverer surveys a large boulder covered in bamboo corals during the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition. Bamboo corals were locally abundant on these large boulders and more spread out throughout different hard-bottom habitats.
Remotely operated vehicle Deep Discoverer surveys a large boulder covered in bamboo corals during the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition. Bamboo corals were locally abundant on these large boulders and more spread out throughout different hard-bottom habitats.
Join USGS researchers Jason Chaytor and Kira Mizell as they virtually participate in a NOAA Ocean Exploration expedition to the depths of the North Atlantic.
Join USGS researchers Jason Chaytor and Kira Mizell as they virtually participate in a NOAA Ocean Exploration expedition to the depths of the North Atlantic.

The USGS Coral Reef Ecosystems Studies project provides science that helps resource managers tasked with the stewardship of coral reef resources.
The USGS Coral Reef Ecosystems Studies project provides science that helps resource managers tasked with the stewardship of coral reef resources.

The U.S. Geological Survey is conducting research to guide the recovery of the threatened Elkhorn coral, Acropora palmata, in Dry Tortugas National Park and throughout the western Atlantic.
The U.S. Geological Survey is conducting research to guide the recovery of the threatened Elkhorn coral, Acropora palmata, in Dry Tortugas National Park and throughout the western Atlantic.
News
We Make Treasure Maps: USGS Charts the Seafloor to Help Locate Critical Minerals, Precious Metals, and Other Vital Resources
Get Ready to Explore a Little Deeper: SEABOSS 3.0 is Coming
Underwater Photogrammetry Reaches New Depths
California State Waters Map Series—Benthic habitat characterization in the region offshore Humboldt Bay, California
Controls on the stratigraphic architecture of the US Atlantic margin: Processes forming the accommodation space
Editorial: From cold seeps to hydrothermal vents: Geology, chemistry, microbiology, and ecology in marine and coastal environments
Photogrammetry of the deep seafloor from archived unmanned submersible exploration dives
California State waters map series—Benthic habitat characterization in the region offshore of Morro Bay, California
Systematic mapping of the ocean-continent transform plate boundary of the Queen Charlotte fault system, southeastern Alaska and western British Columbia—A preliminary bathymetric terrain model
California Deepwater Investigations and Groundtruthing (Cal DIG) I, volume 3 — Benthic habitat characterization offshore Morro Bay, California
Submarine landslide susceptibility mapping in recently deglaciated terrain, Glacier Bay, Alaska
A characterization of deep-sea coral and sponge communities along the California and Oregon coast using a remotely operated vehicle on the EXPRESS 2018 expedition
Mapping, exploration, and characterization of the California continental margin and associated features from the California-Oregon border to Ensenada, Mexico
A federal-state partnership for mapping Florida's coast and seafloor
The California Seafloor and Coastal Mapping Program – Providing science and geospatial data for California's State Waters
Explore our science
Exploring Biodiversity of the Deep Hawaiian Pacific Ocean with Seafloor Mapping and eDNA Technologies
Delineating the U.S. Extended Continental Shelf
USGS Law of the Sea
SQUID-5 camera system
Cascadia Subduction Zone Marine Geohazards
PCMSC MarFac Field Equipment and Capabilities
Marine Geomorphology, Evolution, and Habitats
California Seafloor Mapping Program
Seafloor Faults off Southern California
Coastal and Marine Geohazards of the U.S. West Coast and Alaska
EXPRESS: Expanding Pacific Research and Exploration of Submerged Systems
PCMSC Marine Facility (MarFac)
Geospatial datasets of seabed topography, sediment mobility, and the distribution of geologic substrates in quadrangle 2 of the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary region offshore of Boston, Massachusetts
Geospatial datasets of seabed topography, sediment mobility, and the distribution of geologic substrates in quadrangle 5 of the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary region offshore of Boston, Massachusetts
Bathymetry, backscatter intensity, and benthic habitat offshore of Morro Bay, California (ver. 1.1, January 2024)
Sub-bottom chirp data acquired in the Salton Sea, California, between 2006 and 2008
Bathymetry and topography, video observation, and derived benthic habitat data offshore of Seattle, Washington
Looe Key, Florida, 2016-2017 Seafloor Elevation Stability Models, Maps, and Tables
Crocker Reef, Florida, 2017-2018 Seafloor Elevation Stability Models, Maps, and Tables
Florida Reef Tract 2016-2019 Seafloor Elevation Stability Models, Maps, and Tables
Upper Florida Keys 2002-2016 Seafloor Elevation Stability Models, Maps, and Tables
High-resolution marine geophysical data collected by the USGS in the Belfast Bay, Maine pockmark field in 2006, 2008, and 2009.
Sea-Floor Sediment and Imagery Data Collected in Long Island Sound, Connecticut and New York, 2017 and 2018
Location and analyses of sediment samples collected on Stellwagen Bank off Boston, Massachusetts from November 5, 2013 to April 30, 2019 on U.S. Geological Survey field activities
Seabed maps showing topography, ruggedness, backscatter intensity, sediment mobility, and the distribution of geologic substrates in quadrangle 2 of the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary region offshore of Boston, Massachusetts
Seabed maps showing topography, ruggedness, backscatter intensity, sediment mobility, and the distribution of geologic substrates in quadrangle 5 of the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary region offshore of Boston, Massachusetts
Seabed maps showing topography, ruggedness, backscatter intensity, sediment mobility, and the distribution of geologic substrates in Quadrangle 6 of the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary Region offshore of Boston, Massachusetts
Bathymetry of the waters surrounding the Elizabeth Islands, Massachusetts
Multibeam bathymetry and selected perspective views offshore San Diego, California
Bathymetry and selected views of the fringing coral reef, South Moloka'i, Hawaii
Bathymetry at the head of the Cape Fear Slide, offshore North Carolina
The USGS uses a variety of survey tools—including personal watercraft (jet skis) equipped with GPS and sonar—to measure how sandy coastlines change over time. Sandy coastlines are a valuable resource that protect human-made structures from waves, serve as habitat for important species, and provide a variety of recreational opportunities.
The USGS uses a variety of survey tools—including personal watercraft (jet skis) equipped with GPS and sonar—to measure how sandy coastlines change over time. Sandy coastlines are a valuable resource that protect human-made structures from waves, serve as habitat for important species, and provide a variety of recreational opportunities.
Coral reef in La Parguera, Lajas Puerto Rico shows various types and conditions of corals, including sea fan corals (Gorgonia) in the center.
Coral reef in La Parguera, Lajas Puerto Rico shows various types and conditions of corals, including sea fan corals (Gorgonia) in the center.
Coral reef in La Parguera, Lajas Puerto Rico shows a sea fan coral (Gorgonia) in the center, surrounded other corals and fishes.
Coral reef in La Parguera, Lajas Puerto Rico shows a sea fan coral (Gorgonia) in the center, surrounded other corals and fishes.
Bathymetry is the science of measuring the depth of water in ocean, river and lake environments. Learn how USGS measures bathymetry in this video by the St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, originally created for the 2021 virtual St. Petersburg Science Festival.
Bathymetry is the science of measuring the depth of water in ocean, river and lake environments. Learn how USGS measures bathymetry in this video by the St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, originally created for the 2021 virtual St. Petersburg Science Festival.
The R/V Sallenger tows the SQUID-5 over Looe Key reef with a NOAA Sanctuary boat in the background patrolling the Looe Key area to warn recreational vessels of the ongoing research activity.
The R/V Sallenger tows the SQUID-5 over Looe Key reef with a NOAA Sanctuary boat in the background patrolling the Looe Key area to warn recreational vessels of the ongoing research activity.

Remotely operated vehicle Deep Discoverer surveys a large boulder covered in bamboo corals during the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition. Bamboo corals were locally abundant on these large boulders and more spread out throughout different hard-bottom habitats.
Remotely operated vehicle Deep Discoverer surveys a large boulder covered in bamboo corals during the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition. Bamboo corals were locally abundant on these large boulders and more spread out throughout different hard-bottom habitats.
Join USGS researchers Jason Chaytor and Kira Mizell as they virtually participate in a NOAA Ocean Exploration expedition to the depths of the North Atlantic.
Join USGS researchers Jason Chaytor and Kira Mizell as they virtually participate in a NOAA Ocean Exploration expedition to the depths of the North Atlantic.

The USGS Coral Reef Ecosystems Studies project provides science that helps resource managers tasked with the stewardship of coral reef resources.
The USGS Coral Reef Ecosystems Studies project provides science that helps resource managers tasked with the stewardship of coral reef resources.

The U.S. Geological Survey is conducting research to guide the restoration and recovery of the threatened elkhorn coral, Acropora palmata, in Dry Tortugas National Park and throughout the western Atlantic. In this photograph, research marine biologist Ilsa Kuffner is doing maintenance on a USGS “calcification station”.
The U.S. Geological Survey is conducting research to guide the restoration and recovery of the threatened elkhorn coral, Acropora palmata, in Dry Tortugas National Park and throughout the western Atlantic. In this photograph, research marine biologist Ilsa Kuffner is doing maintenance on a USGS “calcification station”.

The U.S. Geological Survey is conducting research to guide the recovery of the threatened Elkhorn coral, Acropora palmata, in Dry Tortugas National Park and throughout the western Atlantic.
The U.S. Geological Survey is conducting research to guide the recovery of the threatened Elkhorn coral, Acropora palmata, in Dry Tortugas National Park and throughout the western Atlantic.
Bathymetric map of offshore Washington reveals seafloor features and submarine canyons.
Bathymetric map of offshore Washington reveals seafloor features and submarine canyons.
Bathymetric map of offshore northern California reveals seafloor features and submarine canyons.
Bathymetric map of offshore northern California reveals seafloor features and submarine canyons.

Map of the portion of the southwest coast of Puerto Rico affected by an earthquake sequence that began in December 2019, along with portions of the seafloor where faults involved in the earthquake sequence were suspected to exist.
Map of the portion of the southwest coast of Puerto Rico affected by an earthquake sequence that began in December 2019, along with portions of the seafloor where faults involved in the earthquake sequence were suspected to exist.
Josh Parris and Andrea Quattrini on their first shift as video and data loggers in the ROV control room aboard the NOAA Ship Ronald H. Brown.
Josh Parris and Andrea Quattrini on their first shift as video and data loggers in the ROV control room aboard the NOAA Ship Ronald H. Brown.
This Paragorgia coral was seen on a boulder near the Cape Fear seep site.
This Paragorgia coral was seen on a boulder near the Cape Fear seep site.
At Pamlico Canyon, we observed canyon walls covered in brinsingid starfish, cup corals, and a diversity of other corals including both octocorals and stony corals.
At Pamlico Canyon, we observed canyon walls covered in brinsingid starfish, cup corals, and a diversity of other corals including both octocorals and stony corals.
These blackbelly rosefish were observed throughout the dive at Pea Island Seep.
These blackbelly rosefish were observed throughout the dive at Pea Island Seep.
The deck crew of NOAA Ship Ronald H. Brown launches the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ) benthic lander for a long-term deployment on the seafloor near the coral mounds of Richardson Hills.
The deck crew of NOAA Ship Ronald H. Brown launches the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ) benthic lander for a long-term deployment on the seafloor near the coral mounds of Richardson Hills.
USGS marine technician Jenny McKee prepares the jumbo piston corer for launching off research vessel Bold Horizon off the coast of California and Oregon. The corer will collect sediment samples from the seafloor. Scientists will examine the sediment to determine its age, character, and distribution. This area off the west coast of the U.S.
USGS marine technician Jenny McKee prepares the jumbo piston corer for launching off research vessel Bold Horizon off the coast of California and Oregon. The corer will collect sediment samples from the seafloor. Scientists will examine the sediment to determine its age, character, and distribution. This area off the west coast of the U.S.
Jumbo piston corer
Retrieving the MBARI (Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute) MiniROV from the Pacific Ocean offshore of California, on research vessel (R/V) Bold Horizon.
Retrieving the MBARI (Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute) MiniROV from the Pacific Ocean offshore of California, on research vessel (R/V) Bold Horizon.
Where can I find bathymetric data?
What is marine geology?
The seafloor has distinct features and characteristics that help us better understand Earth’s current and past conditions, potential resources, and natural hazards. However, less than 10% of the seafloor has been mapped globally. The USGS conducts high-resolution mapping to describe the physical features of the ocean floor, as well as the geologic layers and structure beneath it.
What's on the seafloor?
The ocean covers more than 70% of the Earth’ surface, yet only a small part of the seafloor has been mapped with enough detail to understand the basic structure, risks, and living and mineral resources that exist there. Characterizing the ocean floor expands our ability to better understand large scale Earth processes along with improved knowledge about the seafloor, deep sea minerals and associated ecosystems. Through this process we can build a more complete view of Earth history, begin to recognize changes, and provide predictions about how the seafloor, underwater environments, and marine geohazards may change in the future.
Technology and Innovation in Seafloor Mapping
Just like the Earth’s land surface, the seafloor contains significant geological and biological features. Geological features include mountains, canyons, plateaus, ledges, and submarine volcanoes, all of which have variable substrate that can range from rocky outcrops to extensive muddy plains, sand ripples, and giant sediment fans along with chemical seeps. Visit the Ocean 101 page to learn more. View a slideshow featuring thickets of coral reefs, sponges, mussels, and the many wondrous creatures that live and move among them.
The USGS designs mapping research programs to address a wide range of topics, and to expand our understanding of deep sea minerals, offshore energy, marine biological habitats, hazards, and more. The USGS uses acoustic techniques to collect detailed information about the seafloor, such as its shape, sediment composition and distribution, and underlying geologic structure and sediment type. Seafloor video, photographs, sediment cores, and other samples are also collected to validate the acoustics and provide a comprehensive foundation for studies of sediment and contaminant transport, landslide and tsunami hazards, gas hydrates, methane and carbon flux, benthic habitat quality, and sediment availability. Managers, policymakers, and other stakeholders use the map products derived from these studies to make informed decisions regarding the Nation’s safety and economic prosperity.
USGS Role in Seafloor Mapping
From habitats to hazards, here are some examples of USGS seafloor mapping efforts.



Mapping the Continental Shelf
The USGS maps continental shelf areas to understand coastal system evolution, from sediment transport to habitat use. Through marine geologic mapping and characterization of inner continental shelf areas, USGS science expands understanding of coastal vulnerability, sediment sources, transport pathways, habitat type and ecosystem characteristics. These activities advance the research and technology essential to coastal evolution and environmental change science while also supporting state and national partners in managing coastal and marine resources and related decisions.



Mapping Beyond the Continental Shelf
Mapping of seafloor and geologic structure beyond the continental shelf is foundational to enhancing stewardship of natural resources, promoting economic prosperity, and strengthening the nation’s security.


Publications
California State Waters Map Series—Benthic habitat characterization in the region offshore Humboldt Bay, California
Controls on the stratigraphic architecture of the US Atlantic margin: Processes forming the accommodation space
Editorial: From cold seeps to hydrothermal vents: Geology, chemistry, microbiology, and ecology in marine and coastal environments
Photogrammetry of the deep seafloor from archived unmanned submersible exploration dives
California State waters map series—Benthic habitat characterization in the region offshore of Morro Bay, California
Science
Exploring Biodiversity of the Deep Hawaiian Pacific Ocean with Seafloor Mapping and eDNA Technologies
Delineating the U.S. Extended Continental Shelf
USGS Law of the Sea
SQUID-5 camera system
Cascadia Subduction Zone Marine Geohazards
Multimedia
The USGS uses a variety of survey tools—including personal watercraft (jet skis) equipped with GPS and sonar—to measure how sandy coastlines change over time. Sandy coastlines are a valuable resource that protect human-made structures from waves, serve as habitat for important species, and provide a variety of recreational opportunities.
The USGS uses a variety of survey tools—including personal watercraft (jet skis) equipped with GPS and sonar—to measure how sandy coastlines change over time. Sandy coastlines are a valuable resource that protect human-made structures from waves, serve as habitat for important species, and provide a variety of recreational opportunities.
Coral reef in La Parguera, Lajas Puerto Rico shows various types and conditions of corals, including sea fan corals (Gorgonia) in the center.
Coral reef in La Parguera, Lajas Puerto Rico shows various types and conditions of corals, including sea fan corals (Gorgonia) in the center.
Coral reef in La Parguera, Lajas Puerto Rico shows a sea fan coral (Gorgonia) in the center, surrounded other corals and fishes.
Coral reef in La Parguera, Lajas Puerto Rico shows a sea fan coral (Gorgonia) in the center, surrounded other corals and fishes.
Bathymetry is the science of measuring the depth of water in ocean, river and lake environments. Learn how USGS measures bathymetry in this video by the St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, originally created for the 2021 virtual St. Petersburg Science Festival.
Bathymetry is the science of measuring the depth of water in ocean, river and lake environments. Learn how USGS measures bathymetry in this video by the St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, originally created for the 2021 virtual St. Petersburg Science Festival.
The R/V Sallenger tows the SQUID-5 over Looe Key reef with a NOAA Sanctuary boat in the background patrolling the Looe Key area to warn recreational vessels of the ongoing research activity.
The R/V Sallenger tows the SQUID-5 over Looe Key reef with a NOAA Sanctuary boat in the background patrolling the Looe Key area to warn recreational vessels of the ongoing research activity.

Remotely operated vehicle Deep Discoverer surveys a large boulder covered in bamboo corals during the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition. Bamboo corals were locally abundant on these large boulders and more spread out throughout different hard-bottom habitats.
Remotely operated vehicle Deep Discoverer surveys a large boulder covered in bamboo corals during the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition. Bamboo corals were locally abundant on these large boulders and more spread out throughout different hard-bottom habitats.
Join USGS researchers Jason Chaytor and Kira Mizell as they virtually participate in a NOAA Ocean Exploration expedition to the depths of the North Atlantic.
Join USGS researchers Jason Chaytor and Kira Mizell as they virtually participate in a NOAA Ocean Exploration expedition to the depths of the North Atlantic.

The USGS Coral Reef Ecosystems Studies project provides science that helps resource managers tasked with the stewardship of coral reef resources.
The USGS Coral Reef Ecosystems Studies project provides science that helps resource managers tasked with the stewardship of coral reef resources.

The U.S. Geological Survey is conducting research to guide the recovery of the threatened Elkhorn coral, Acropora palmata, in Dry Tortugas National Park and throughout the western Atlantic.
The U.S. Geological Survey is conducting research to guide the recovery of the threatened Elkhorn coral, Acropora palmata, in Dry Tortugas National Park and throughout the western Atlantic.
News
We Make Treasure Maps: USGS Charts the Seafloor to Help Locate Critical Minerals, Precious Metals, and Other Vital Resources
Get Ready to Explore a Little Deeper: SEABOSS 3.0 is Coming
Underwater Photogrammetry Reaches New Depths
California State Waters Map Series—Benthic habitat characterization in the region offshore Humboldt Bay, California
Controls on the stratigraphic architecture of the US Atlantic margin: Processes forming the accommodation space
Editorial: From cold seeps to hydrothermal vents: Geology, chemistry, microbiology, and ecology in marine and coastal environments
Photogrammetry of the deep seafloor from archived unmanned submersible exploration dives
California State waters map series—Benthic habitat characterization in the region offshore of Morro Bay, California
Systematic mapping of the ocean-continent transform plate boundary of the Queen Charlotte fault system, southeastern Alaska and western British Columbia—A preliminary bathymetric terrain model
California Deepwater Investigations and Groundtruthing (Cal DIG) I, volume 3 — Benthic habitat characterization offshore Morro Bay, California
Submarine landslide susceptibility mapping in recently deglaciated terrain, Glacier Bay, Alaska
A characterization of deep-sea coral and sponge communities along the California and Oregon coast using a remotely operated vehicle on the EXPRESS 2018 expedition
Mapping, exploration, and characterization of the California continental margin and associated features from the California-Oregon border to Ensenada, Mexico
A federal-state partnership for mapping Florida's coast and seafloor
The California Seafloor and Coastal Mapping Program – Providing science and geospatial data for California's State Waters
Explore our science
Exploring Biodiversity of the Deep Hawaiian Pacific Ocean with Seafloor Mapping and eDNA Technologies
Delineating the U.S. Extended Continental Shelf
USGS Law of the Sea
SQUID-5 camera system
Cascadia Subduction Zone Marine Geohazards
PCMSC MarFac Field Equipment and Capabilities
Marine Geomorphology, Evolution, and Habitats
California Seafloor Mapping Program
Seafloor Faults off Southern California
Coastal and Marine Geohazards of the U.S. West Coast and Alaska
EXPRESS: Expanding Pacific Research and Exploration of Submerged Systems
PCMSC Marine Facility (MarFac)
Geospatial datasets of seabed topography, sediment mobility, and the distribution of geologic substrates in quadrangle 2 of the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary region offshore of Boston, Massachusetts
Geospatial datasets of seabed topography, sediment mobility, and the distribution of geologic substrates in quadrangle 5 of the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary region offshore of Boston, Massachusetts
Bathymetry, backscatter intensity, and benthic habitat offshore of Morro Bay, California (ver. 1.1, January 2024)
Sub-bottom chirp data acquired in the Salton Sea, California, between 2006 and 2008
Bathymetry and topography, video observation, and derived benthic habitat data offshore of Seattle, Washington
Looe Key, Florida, 2016-2017 Seafloor Elevation Stability Models, Maps, and Tables
Crocker Reef, Florida, 2017-2018 Seafloor Elevation Stability Models, Maps, and Tables
Florida Reef Tract 2016-2019 Seafloor Elevation Stability Models, Maps, and Tables
Upper Florida Keys 2002-2016 Seafloor Elevation Stability Models, Maps, and Tables
High-resolution marine geophysical data collected by the USGS in the Belfast Bay, Maine pockmark field in 2006, 2008, and 2009.
Sea-Floor Sediment and Imagery Data Collected in Long Island Sound, Connecticut and New York, 2017 and 2018
Location and analyses of sediment samples collected on Stellwagen Bank off Boston, Massachusetts from November 5, 2013 to April 30, 2019 on U.S. Geological Survey field activities
Seabed maps showing topography, ruggedness, backscatter intensity, sediment mobility, and the distribution of geologic substrates in quadrangle 2 of the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary region offshore of Boston, Massachusetts
Seabed maps showing topography, ruggedness, backscatter intensity, sediment mobility, and the distribution of geologic substrates in quadrangle 5 of the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary region offshore of Boston, Massachusetts
Seabed maps showing topography, ruggedness, backscatter intensity, sediment mobility, and the distribution of geologic substrates in Quadrangle 6 of the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary Region offshore of Boston, Massachusetts
Bathymetry of the waters surrounding the Elizabeth Islands, Massachusetts
Multibeam bathymetry and selected perspective views offshore San Diego, California
Bathymetry and selected views of the fringing coral reef, South Moloka'i, Hawaii
Bathymetry at the head of the Cape Fear Slide, offshore North Carolina
The USGS uses a variety of survey tools—including personal watercraft (jet skis) equipped with GPS and sonar—to measure how sandy coastlines change over time. Sandy coastlines are a valuable resource that protect human-made structures from waves, serve as habitat for important species, and provide a variety of recreational opportunities.
The USGS uses a variety of survey tools—including personal watercraft (jet skis) equipped with GPS and sonar—to measure how sandy coastlines change over time. Sandy coastlines are a valuable resource that protect human-made structures from waves, serve as habitat for important species, and provide a variety of recreational opportunities.
Coral reef in La Parguera, Lajas Puerto Rico shows various types and conditions of corals, including sea fan corals (Gorgonia) in the center.
Coral reef in La Parguera, Lajas Puerto Rico shows various types and conditions of corals, including sea fan corals (Gorgonia) in the center.
Coral reef in La Parguera, Lajas Puerto Rico shows a sea fan coral (Gorgonia) in the center, surrounded other corals and fishes.
Coral reef in La Parguera, Lajas Puerto Rico shows a sea fan coral (Gorgonia) in the center, surrounded other corals and fishes.
Bathymetry is the science of measuring the depth of water in ocean, river and lake environments. Learn how USGS measures bathymetry in this video by the St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, originally created for the 2021 virtual St. Petersburg Science Festival.
Bathymetry is the science of measuring the depth of water in ocean, river and lake environments. Learn how USGS measures bathymetry in this video by the St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, originally created for the 2021 virtual St. Petersburg Science Festival.
The R/V Sallenger tows the SQUID-5 over Looe Key reef with a NOAA Sanctuary boat in the background patrolling the Looe Key area to warn recreational vessels of the ongoing research activity.
The R/V Sallenger tows the SQUID-5 over Looe Key reef with a NOAA Sanctuary boat in the background patrolling the Looe Key area to warn recreational vessels of the ongoing research activity.

Remotely operated vehicle Deep Discoverer surveys a large boulder covered in bamboo corals during the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition. Bamboo corals were locally abundant on these large boulders and more spread out throughout different hard-bottom habitats.
Remotely operated vehicle Deep Discoverer surveys a large boulder covered in bamboo corals during the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition. Bamboo corals were locally abundant on these large boulders and more spread out throughout different hard-bottom habitats.
Join USGS researchers Jason Chaytor and Kira Mizell as they virtually participate in a NOAA Ocean Exploration expedition to the depths of the North Atlantic.
Join USGS researchers Jason Chaytor and Kira Mizell as they virtually participate in a NOAA Ocean Exploration expedition to the depths of the North Atlantic.

The USGS Coral Reef Ecosystems Studies project provides science that helps resource managers tasked with the stewardship of coral reef resources.
The USGS Coral Reef Ecosystems Studies project provides science that helps resource managers tasked with the stewardship of coral reef resources.

The U.S. Geological Survey is conducting research to guide the restoration and recovery of the threatened elkhorn coral, Acropora palmata, in Dry Tortugas National Park and throughout the western Atlantic. In this photograph, research marine biologist Ilsa Kuffner is doing maintenance on a USGS “calcification station”.
The U.S. Geological Survey is conducting research to guide the restoration and recovery of the threatened elkhorn coral, Acropora palmata, in Dry Tortugas National Park and throughout the western Atlantic. In this photograph, research marine biologist Ilsa Kuffner is doing maintenance on a USGS “calcification station”.

The U.S. Geological Survey is conducting research to guide the recovery of the threatened Elkhorn coral, Acropora palmata, in Dry Tortugas National Park and throughout the western Atlantic.
The U.S. Geological Survey is conducting research to guide the recovery of the threatened Elkhorn coral, Acropora palmata, in Dry Tortugas National Park and throughout the western Atlantic.
Bathymetric map of offshore Washington reveals seafloor features and submarine canyons.
Bathymetric map of offshore Washington reveals seafloor features and submarine canyons.
Bathymetric map of offshore northern California reveals seafloor features and submarine canyons.
Bathymetric map of offshore northern California reveals seafloor features and submarine canyons.

Map of the portion of the southwest coast of Puerto Rico affected by an earthquake sequence that began in December 2019, along with portions of the seafloor where faults involved in the earthquake sequence were suspected to exist.
Map of the portion of the southwest coast of Puerto Rico affected by an earthquake sequence that began in December 2019, along with portions of the seafloor where faults involved in the earthquake sequence were suspected to exist.
Josh Parris and Andrea Quattrini on their first shift as video and data loggers in the ROV control room aboard the NOAA Ship Ronald H. Brown.
Josh Parris and Andrea Quattrini on their first shift as video and data loggers in the ROV control room aboard the NOAA Ship Ronald H. Brown.
This Paragorgia coral was seen on a boulder near the Cape Fear seep site.
This Paragorgia coral was seen on a boulder near the Cape Fear seep site.
At Pamlico Canyon, we observed canyon walls covered in brinsingid starfish, cup corals, and a diversity of other corals including both octocorals and stony corals.
At Pamlico Canyon, we observed canyon walls covered in brinsingid starfish, cup corals, and a diversity of other corals including both octocorals and stony corals.
These blackbelly rosefish were observed throughout the dive at Pea Island Seep.
These blackbelly rosefish were observed throughout the dive at Pea Island Seep.
The deck crew of NOAA Ship Ronald H. Brown launches the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ) benthic lander for a long-term deployment on the seafloor near the coral mounds of Richardson Hills.
The deck crew of NOAA Ship Ronald H. Brown launches the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ) benthic lander for a long-term deployment on the seafloor near the coral mounds of Richardson Hills.
USGS marine technician Jenny McKee prepares the jumbo piston corer for launching off research vessel Bold Horizon off the coast of California and Oregon. The corer will collect sediment samples from the seafloor. Scientists will examine the sediment to determine its age, character, and distribution. This area off the west coast of the U.S.
USGS marine technician Jenny McKee prepares the jumbo piston corer for launching off research vessel Bold Horizon off the coast of California and Oregon. The corer will collect sediment samples from the seafloor. Scientists will examine the sediment to determine its age, character, and distribution. This area off the west coast of the U.S.
Jumbo piston corer
Retrieving the MBARI (Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute) MiniROV from the Pacific Ocean offshore of California, on research vessel (R/V) Bold Horizon.
Retrieving the MBARI (Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute) MiniROV from the Pacific Ocean offshore of California, on research vessel (R/V) Bold Horizon.