CHIRP seismic data will be presented in order to demonstrate the importance of subbottom imaging in addressing fundamental problems in Earth sciences. Examples from actively deforming regions in California place important constraints on the rupture history along major fault systems as well as tectonic control on sediment preservation and exposure of hardgrounds on the seafloor. Tectonic deformation creates a rich tapestry of geologic substrate exposed on the seafloor, ranging from mobile sands to lithified hardgrounds. It is this heterogeneity of the seafloor that creates different biological ecosytems and consequent increased biodiversity. CHIRP data have also provided new insights into sediment dispersal and clinoform development in the Gulf of Papua. In the northern gulf, oblique clinoforms suggest the rate of sediment supply has outstripped the formation of accommodation, whereas in the south the sigmoidal package indicates that accommodation increased faster than sediment supply. The morphology and internal geometry of the clinoform itself are inherently three‐dimensional. The underlying physiography also appears to play an important role in governing sediment dispersal and distribution.