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Using high-tech satellites, NASA has revealed more than 10.000 underwater formations, mapping 70% of the ocean floor with unprecedented precision and revolutionizing climate science and marine exploration.
Oceans cover more than 70% of the planet’s surface, but much of what lies beneath the waves remains a mystery. Even with decades of technological advancements, mapping the ocean floor remains one of science’s greatest challenges. Fortunately, NASA is using its space expertise to give us a never-before-seen glimpse into the depths of the planet.
With state-of-the-art satellites, NASA and its partners have been unraveling impressive details of the seabed, revealing underwater mountains, canyons and other formations that were previously invisible. But why is this mapping so important? And how is it being done?
Why is mapping the ocean floor such a challenge?
Until recently, seafloor mapping relied on ships equipped with sonar, which emit sound waves to “read” the underwater terrain. While effective in small areas, this method is extremely slow and expensive. To map the entire ocean in this way would require more than 100 years of continuous work. Many remote areas remain inaccessible.
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The oceans are vast and full of challenges. Their depths hide valleys, mountains and complex ecosystems, and are constantly influenced by currents and weather phenomena. This makes detailed mapping a real puzzle for scientists.
How is NASA using satellites to map the oceans?
Satellites use radar altimeters to measure tiny variations in the height of the sea surface. These variations reflect what’s below, allowing scientists to infer underwater topography. It’s like trying to figure out the shape of a blanket by looking at the ripples on the surface.
The Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission, a collaboration between NASA and the French space agency CNES, brought a great advance. With more sensitive sensors, SWOT has already identified thousands of previously unknown underwater formations, including peaks that influence marine currents and ecosystems. In just one year, SWOT has surpassed decades of data collected by traditional methods.
The impacts of detailed ocean mapping
The oceans play a crucial role in regulating the climate, moving heat and carbon around the planet. Mapping the seafloor helps scientists better understand how these currents work and how they might be affected by climate change. Small improvements to ocean models could lead to much more accurate climate predictions.
Detailed maps of the seabed are also vital for safe navigation and the exploration of natural resources. For example, fishermen can identify areas of greater fish abundance, while engineers can better plan underwater projects such as cables and oil platforms.
The future of ocean mapping
Projects like Seabed 2030 aim to map 100% of the ocean floor by the end of this decade. To do so, scientists are combining data from satellites, autonomous vessels and machine learning. It’s a global effort that promises to fill the gaps in knowledge about our oceans.
Every year, new technologies are developed to make mapping faster and more accurate. Satellites with more sophisticated sensors, combined with artificial intelligence tools, could completely transform our understanding of the ocean’s depths.
Mapping the ocean floor is an essential piece to understand our planet, protect its resources and prepare for the climate challenges of the future. Thanks to NASA and other initiatives, we are getting closer to unlocking the mysteries of the deep.
