NASA Shows How Ocean Floor Can Be Mapped from Space Using Satellites

Scientists at NASA have unveiled how advanced satellite technology is helping map the Earth’s ocean floor from space, offering new insights into one of the least explored regions of the planet. The development marks a significant step forward in understanding underwater landscapes without relying solely on traditional methods.

For decades, researchers have depended on ship-based sonar to study the seafloor. While accurate, this approach is time-consuming and has only managed to map a limited portion of the oceans. Large areas still remain unexplored due to the challenges of deep-sea expeditions and the vastness of global waters.

To address this, scientists are now using satellites like the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission, which can indirectly map underwater features. Instead of capturing images of the seabed, these satellites measure tiny variations in the height of the ocean surface. These changes occur due to gravitational differences caused by massive structures beneath the water.

Underwater formations such as seamounts and ridges exert a stronger gravitational pull, slightly raising the water above them. Although these variations are often just a few centimetres, satellites equipped with high-precision instruments can detect them. Scientists then use this data to create detailed maps of the ocean floor.

This technique has already revealed a range of underwater features, including abyssal hills and previously unknown seamounts. Researchers believe that many more such structures could be identified, significantly expanding our knowledge of ocean geography. Beyond scientific curiosity, the findings have practical applications. Improved seafloor maps can enhance marine navigation, support the installation of underwater cables, and provide valuable data for studying ocean currents, climate systems, and tectonic activity.