OVERVIEW Name and describe the five major ocean provinces and the relief features associated with the ocean bottom. Name and describe the various types of bottom sediments.

In AG2, volume 1, reference was made to the fact that Earths topography (mountains, valleys, etc.) has a definite and important effect on the elements and characteristics of its surrounding atmosphere. The same relationship exists between the ocean floor and the oceans. The irregular terrain of the ocean floor affects the movement of ocean water, temperature gradients in areas of channeling, and in the area of naval operations, submarine and antisubmarine (ASW) tactics. Many relief features and bottom types are used by submariners to conceal their submarines and lessen their chances of being detected by surface sonars. Sonar transmissions that impact the bottom are affected by the bottom topography (smooth, irregular, etc.) and types of bottom (sand, mud, etc.). Sonar performance may be improved or hindered by the bottom; therefore, submariners use the bottom to their best advantage. Submariners make extensive use of bottom contour charts in navigation, and many relief features are used to obtain navigational fixes.

The surface fleet must also be aware of the relief features and bottom types in order to assess the effectiveness of their search sonars.

Learning Objective: Name and describe the five major oceanic provinces and the relief features associated with the ocean bottom.

If we were able to walk from the land above sea level to the deepest depths beneath the sea, our walk would be mostly downhill. On leaving the shore, our walk would take us through five major bottom provinces; the continental shelf, the continental slope and rise, the ocean basin, and the mid-ocean ridges. See figure 1-3-1.

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