What lies under the sea

If you're in the business of finding new, uncharted surf spots on Google Earth it looks like you've got yourself another tool to monkey around with. The ever-inquisitive folks at Google have announced the introduction of Google Ocean, which will allow you to zoom in on the ocean floor, known as bathymetry by all you oceanographer geeks. Now you'll be able to better understand the influence deep-water canyons, dramatic changes in depth, and the novelty known as refraction will have on the waves you surf...or are planning to surf. Not only that, but by being able to see exactly what lies beneath the surface researchers, scientists and conservationists will better be able to see exactly what's going on in our oceans and how we can best protect them. But for the selfish surfer, it's just one more asset to help track down that illusive perfect wave.