Question

q6. if only ~26% of the ocean floor has been mapped at high resolution, why do scientists still combine satellite altimetry with sonar surveys?

○ satellite altimetry provides global coverage that guides where to focus detailed sonar mapping

○ satellites produce higher resolution data than sonar systems

○ sonar surveys are unreliable in deep ocean environments

Explanation:

• Analyze Option 1: Satellite altimetry can cover the entire ocean globally, showing broad - scale features. This global view helps scientists decide which areas need more detailed sonar mapping (since sonar is good for high - resolution but limited in coverage).
• Analyze Option 2: Sonar (especially multi - beam sonar) can produce higher - resolution data of the ocean floor than satellite altimetry. Satellites measure the ocean surface to infer the ocean floor, which is less detailed than direct sonar mapping of the floor. So this option is wrong.
• Analyze Option 3: Sonar surveys (like multi - beam sonar) are reliable in deep - ocean environments. They can accurately map the deep - ocean floor. So this option is wrong.

Answer:

A. Satellite altimetry provides global coverage that guides where to focus detailed sonar mapping