NASA's SWOT satellite maps ocean floor in detail

NASA is working to change our understanding of the ocean floor, which still holds many mysteries. Surprisingly, scientists know more about the moon's surface than they do about the Earth’s oceans. The challenge comes from the extreme water pressure and the darkness of the deep sea, making direct observation difficult. NASA's new satellite, called SWOT, short for Surface Water and Ocean Topography, is making this task easier. Launched in December 2022, the satellite helps create detailed maps of the ocean floor, even though it was originally designed to measure water levels. This advanced technology allows scientists to better estimate underwater structures. Understanding what lies beneath the waves is vital for safe navigation, as well as for studying ocean currents and tectonic plate movements. Traditional mapping has been slow, with ships covering only small areas at a time, threatening the goal of a complete seabed map by 2030. However, the data from SWOT is improving this process. It has produced maps with about twice the detail of older satellite images, revealing features that were previously hidden. For example, the new maps show underwater mountains, or seamounts, with much greater precision, potentially doubling the number known from 44,000 to 100,000. SWOT uses a unique radar technology to detect tiny changes in water height caused by underwater geological features. As the satellite orbits the Earth every 21 days, it can gather more detailed information in one year than what other missions have collected over 30 years. The enhanced maps can help locate new geological formations, active volcanoes, and ancient lands that may have been submerged. They may even aid research into the origins of life, as scientists explore the environments where ocean plates shift and create hydrothermal vents. This could reveal more about life on Earth and its possibilities beyond our planet.