SWOT satellite improves ocean floor mapping accuracy

A new water satellite called SWOT is helping scientists map the ocean floor more accurately from space. This technology can improve underwater navigation and deepen our understanding of ocean heat and life. SWOT works by detecting small changes in the sea surface caused by underwater features like seamounts and abyssal hills. These features have a stronger gravitational pull and create tiny bumps on the surface. The satellite covers about 90% of the globe every 21 days, allowing researchers to gather data with high precision. By using data from a year of observations, researchers can now identify smaller underwater mountains that were previously undetected. With SWOT's capabilities, the number of known seamounts may increase from 44,000 to 100,000. These underwater mountains affect deep sea currents, which helps distribute nutrients and supports marine life in areas that would otherwise be lifeless. The satellite also provides insights into the geology of the ocean floor. Abyssal hills, which make up about 70% of the ocean's surface, were difficult to observe before. This new ability to detect them helps scientists understand tectonic plate movements over time. Researchers are now refining their measurements to better estimate the depths of these features. SWOT is part of an international effort to map the entire seafloor by 2030, using both satellite and ship-based methods. The satellite was developed by NASA and its partners, and will assist in achieving this goal by providing additional data. For more information about the SWOT project, interested readers can visit the official website.