33 U.S.C. § 3407 — Definitions

In this subchapter: (1) “Characterization,” “characterize,” and “characterizing” mean activities that provide complete data and interpretations about a particular area of the seafloor, sub-bottom, water column, or hydrologic features such as water masses and currents, directly supporting specified research, environmental protection, resource management, policymaking, or applied missions. (2) “Exploration,” “explore,” and “exploring” mean activities that provide (A) a multidisciplinary view of an unknown or poorly understood area of the seafloor, sub-bottom, or water column, and (B) an initial assessment of its physical, chemical, geological, biological, archaeological, or other characteristics. (3) “Map” and “mapping” mean activities that provide the complete data and information needed to understand seafloor characteristics, including depth, topography, bottom type, sediment composition and distribution, underlying geologic structure, and benthic plants and animals.