Bathymetry of the Western Margin of Western Australia

Geoscience Australia is providing extensive advice, expertise and support to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB). The ATSB is leading a seabed mapping and underwater search for missing Malaysia Airlines flight 370 in the southern Indian Ocean.

Bathymetry is the study and mapping of the sea floor. It involves obtaining measurements of the depth of the ocean and is equivalent to mapping on land. Before the underwater search for MH370 could begin, it was necessary to accurately map the sea floor to ensure that the search is undertaken safely and effectively. Bathymetry survey vessels spent months at sea, scanning the sea floor with multibeam sonar to gather detailed, high-resolution data. The data has revealed many seabed features for the first time. This computer-animated 'flythrough' shows a visualisation of some of the sea floor terrain in the search area.