Undersea conditions are such as to prevent most of the erosional processes which occur on land. Current erosion and the action of reef-building organisms have a tendency to emphasize tectonic anomalies, rather than to smooth them. Studies of sea-bottom morphology can thus permit recognition of deep-seated structures, saving large expenses in geophysical work. Such studies should include statistical analysis of water depth, as well as various interpretive maps (regional and residual bathymetric maps, sea-bottom topographic contrast maps, etc.).

Examination of depth and behavior of submerged

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terraces formed during Pleistocene eustatic movements of the sea might permit detection of minute recent tectonic movements, thus pointing to structures which are still active.

Along continental margins affected by faulting and/or epeirogenetic movements, the study of the coastal morphology might help in delineating ancient drainage patterns, making it possible to predict to a certain extent those areas of paleo-discharge, capable of containing favorable reservoir rocks.

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