What did the Glomar Challenger accomplish regarding oceanic rock samples?

The Glomar Challenger was a significant research vessel that played a crucial role in advancing our knowledge of oceanic geology through direct sampling of the seafloor. By collecting rock samples, the Glomar Challenger provided valuable insight into the composition and structure of oceanic crust, enabling scientists to study the processes of plate tectonics and the history of the Earth’s geological activity.

Through drilling operations, the vessel obtained core samples from various locations in the oceans, which helped researchers understand the age of oceanic rocks, the nature of sediment deposits, and the evidence for continental drift. This groundbreaking work is foundational for the field of marine geology, as it revealed how oceanic crust forms and evolves over time. Collecting these rock samples was essential for establishing the relationship between geological features and the processes shaping the Earth's surface.

The other options, while related to ocean exploration, do not encompass the primary achievement of the Glomar Challenger as effectively as the collection of rock samples does. Instead of focusing on fossils, age determination, or mapping, it was the direct acquisition of rock material that allowed for significant advancements in understanding oceanic geology.