Ecological studies of living Foraminifera provide an accurate framework for paleobathymetric interpretations. Exploration for hydrocarbons can be improved greatly if these interpretations, together with standard stratigraphic and structural methods, are used by the geologists.

Paleobathymetry can be used in (1) interpreting the geologic history of an area, (2) demonstrating sea-floor topography and establishing the time of growth and burial of topographic highs, (3) determining the presence of faults and unconformities, and the amount of uplift or subsidence, (4) correlations, and (5) determining the interrelations among sand deposition, abnormal pressure, and accumulation of hydrocarbons. These relations can be derived by plotting paleobathymetric data on cross sections and constructing bathymetric, tectonic, structural, and isopach maps.

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