Google users can now search the ocean depths thanks to a new feature of Google Earth. The feature may even become a handy tool in some of UF's classrooms.
"Google Earth has gotten people interested in looking on the surface of the earth," said Ellen Martin, an associate professor in UF's geology department. "So now people might be more interested in the ocean."
Google Ocean allows viewers to explore the ocean floor and its inhabitants, according to the Web site's informational video.
It also offers 3-D explorations of sunken ships, according to the Web site at earth.google.com.
Martin said Google's new views provide access to areas of the ocean that most people will never see.
She also called attention to its value as a teaching tool.
"It'll give students a better sense of what the sea floor looks like," she said.
Martin said the program will be able to highlight different features of the floor, such as ocean ridges, trenches and under water volcanoes, aiding students learning.
Although Google Ocean will be useful for students and teachers, Martin said, it probably won't be used to further research the sea floor any time soon.
"There is already a program that does that," Martin said. "It seems to me that (Google Ocean) is more for the general public."
