Short Wave Mapping The Seafloor Is Daunting But Key To Improving Human Life
Nov 6, 2023
Dawn Wright, a marine geographer and chief scientist at the Environmental Systems Research Institute, sheds light on the ambitious global goal of mapping 100% of the seafloor by 2030. She discusses the groundbreaking use of sonar technology, revealing how sound pulses create detailed images of underwater landscapes. Wright highlights the critical importance of this mapping for natural disaster preparedness, energy infrastructure, and global internet connectivity. A call to action for community involvement underscores the urgency of this vital initiative.
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Journey to Challenger Deep
- Dawn Wright, a marine geographer, journeyed to Challenger Deep, the ocean's deepest point.
- This experience, similar to being in a space capsule, involved a slow, peaceful descent into darkness.
Importance of Seabed Geology
- Geologic activity on the seabed is crucial to understand.
- It drives underwater earthquakes, which can trigger tsunamis.
Sonar Technology
- Sonar, using sound pulses, is the most effective way to sense the underwater environment.
- By timing the pulses' return, scientists calculate depths, considering variations in sound speed due to temperature and salinity.