How Do Scientists Explore the Deep Seafloor?

From 200 to nearly 11,000 m (about 600–33,000 feet) below sea level and covering two-thirds of our planet, the deep ocean is Earth’s largest—and most critical—habitat. The deep ocean is very important to people for many reasons. For example, it provides foods that we eat, it balances Earth’s climate, and it is a wild unknown space for people to enjoy and explore. Despite its importance, the deep sea is the least explored area on our planet because it is so big, deep, dark, cold, and salty. Researchers need to use special tools such as ships and deep-sea robots to create maps, make new discoveries, and understand how the ocean works and how it affects people and the planet.