A new satellite mission has created the most-detailed map of Earth’s ocean floor yet, revealing hundreds of previously unknown underwater hills and volcanoes. The Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite, launched in December 2022, measures the height of the ocean surface to spot features like abyssal hills, seamounts, and continental margins.
According to a study published in the journal Science, SWOT’s data provides a clearer picture of the ocean floor than 30 years of data from ships and older satellites. The satellite’s 5-mile resolution and 21-day path covering most of the planet allow researchers to identify features that were previously missed.
Researchers found thousands of smaller seamounts less than 3,300 feet tall, as well as numerous underwater hills and volcanoes. These findings can provide new insights into ocean currents, nutrient transport in seawater, and the geologic history of Earth’s oceans.
The team focused on three types of underwater features: abyssal hills, small seamounts, and continental margins. By studying these features, researchers hope to refine maps of tectonic boundaries and ocean currents near coastal areas.
The SWOT satellite will continue to collect data for the remainder of its planned three-year science mission, including monitoring ocean currents, mapping the ocean floor, and assessing global freshwater availability throughout the year.
Source: https://www.livescience.com/planet-earth/rivers-oceans/satellites-reveal-stunningly-detailed-maps-of-earths-seafloors