Ocean: Team finds 19,000 previously undiscovered underwater volcanoes

Only a quarter of the earth’s ocean floor has been mapped, and most of the depths of the world’s oceans have never been explored. Perfect conditions for explorers. A team has now found 19,000 previously unknown underwater volcanoes based on new measurement data.

Ocean, unknown expanses: This is how you can summarize the state of research

Conducting research in the depths of the ocean is a major technical challenge. So far, only a very small part of the world’s oceans has ever been explored below the water surface, and mapping the sea floor remains a complex business, even with modern satellite technology. In this regard, a team can shed a little more light on our oceans. Over 19,000 previously undiscovered underwater volcanoes can be added to seabed maps in one fell swoop.

In their paper published in the journal Earth and Space Science (via Phys) the group from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and two independent researchers describe that radar data and modern analysis methods greatly facilitate the revealing of the topography of the ocean floor. The approach: The nature of the sea floor is also reflected in the behavior of the water on the surface, so to speak a corresponding mountain of water piles up over mountains on the sea floor – an effect known as “sea mounding”. These movements can be detected better and better with modern radar satellites.

Use multiple times

The need for better and better mapping of the world’s oceans is growing enormously and would benefit many disciplines. As the researchers explain, their findings and the resulting projects could help to support mining projects in the oceans – several companies are currently developing systems for undersea mining. However, such data is also of great interest for research.

One of the disciplines that is eagerly awaiting better maps of the sea floor is climate research. Due to the global rise in temperatures, the ocean currents are also getting more and more out of sync. Seamounts play an important role in the mixing of ocean currents, but this is only poorly understood.

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