What does bathymetry measure?

Bathymetry specifically refers to the measurement of the depth of water bodies, including oceans, seas, lakes, and rivers. It entails mapping the underwater terrain by determining the distance from the water's surface down to the seabed. This data is crucial for navigation, underwater construction, and environmental protection, as it helps in understanding the contours of the seafloor and the various features it contains, such as valleys, hills, and plateaus.

The other elements mentioned, such as ocean temperature, current speed, and salinity levels, pertain to different aspects of oceanography. While they are significant for a broad understanding of marine systems and can influence bathymetric measurements indirectly, they do not define bathymetry itself, which is strictly concerned with depth measurements.