The ocean covers nearly three-quarters of our planet, but mapping its depths is a daunting task. Currently, only about 25% of the ocean floor has been mapped. To address this issue, an international project called Seabed 2030 aims to create the clearest-ever picture of the seabed by 2030.
The project was launched in 2017 with just six percent of the ocean floor properly mapped. Since then, it has used a combination of historical data, sonar from research and industry vessels, and growing computing power to increase the mapped area to over 25%. Seabed 2030’s head, Vicki Ferrini, describes this process as “bringing it into focus,” allowing researchers to see details and patterns they previously couldn’t.
Satellite technology can map the surface of the Moon or a neighborhood on the other side of the world with ease. However, when it comes to the ocean floor, the problem is rooted in physics: water gets in the way, making acoustic methods like sonar the only viable option for most areas.
The project has adopted multibeam sonar, which provides a 3D view of the seabed, allowing researchers to map it with greater accuracy. However, collecting and integrating data from different vessels and resolutions remains challenging. Seabed 2030 collates, corrects, and integrates this data, creating a patchwork that requires normalizing and justifying measurements.
The project has set coarse resolution targets for mapping, but achieving these goals is complicated by cost and geopolitical factors, particularly in the Arctic region. Machine learning enhances data processing and pattern recognition, filling gaps in knowledge. While progress has been made, researchers emphasize the need for more research to inform decisions about opening stretches of the seabed to mining.
The work highlights the importance of accurate ocean mapping for various purposes, including undersea cables, tsunami paths, and climate change projections. With Seabed 2030 pushing forward, scientists hope to create a comprehensive map of the ocean floor by 2030, providing valuable insights into our planet’s ecosystems and natural resources.
Source: https://borneobulletin.com.bn/mapping-the-silent-world