Background of the Bathymetric Cartography of Mexico

Abstract

At present the Mexican oceans are important for economic, social, and climatic reasons; Mexico’s privileged geographic location, between two oceans, largely explains the enormous biological and environmental diversity that it brings together, in addition to its wide range of marine resources and ecosystems. A determining factor that influences marine life is undoubtedly the relief that is submerged in the oceans, since different ecosystems originate in it where diversity of species is concentrated. Likewise, a great diversity of metals and hydrocarbons are concentrated in the relief, which currently constitute another wealth for Mexico. Given this, the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI, by its acronym in spanish)) has been given the task of providing data and geographic information of the undersea relief of Mexico through bathymetric cartography to represent the seabed to assist in decision-making in the areas economic, political, social, and technical, as well as for the planning and development of marine infrastructure and, where appropriate, for disaster prevention and response.