Google Earth takes a dive

15:56 3rd February 2009

Google Earth has introduced a new element by allowing users to journey beneath the surface of the world's oceans.

The programme already allows people to explore the planet's continents and to zoom in on individual homes, cars and buildings, but now a 3D sea floor is also available to view.

People will be able to gain an insight into undersea activity such as the wealth of marine life and geological features such as underwater volcanoes. Video footage and other media features could complement home learning while also potentially encouraging people to pursue IT training to learn more about the internet.

Sylvia Earle, oceanographer and National Geographic explorer-in-residence, said: "For the first time everyone from curious kids to serious researchers can see the world - the whole world - with new eye."

Ms Earle, who collaborated with Google to develop the project, added that the underwater feature would help address more environmental concerns.

Google is the most widely used internet search engine in the world. It has its headquarters in California and employs over 20,000 people.