Ocean Floor

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The ocean floor features rarely on maps, but harbors resources, such as petroleum, gas, and a variety of metal ores. It is also used as a dumping ground of waste and as a pathway for digital communications. Almost all digital information is carried by submarine cables that are stretched across the oceans. Compare the ocean floor map on pp. 24-25 with the map of internet access on p. 66 and consider the depth of water these cables are plunged into and the variegated terrain they must cross. Imagine the disruptions that might result when cables break or are intentionally destroyed.