Small ocean swirls may have an outsized effect on climate, NASA satellite shows
A NASA-led satellite mission has unveiled that small ocean swirls and eddies wield more influence on our climate than scientists previously thought. The Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite, which launched in December 2022, is designed to measure the height of water across freshwater and ocean environments with unprecedented detail, addressing a significant challenge in oceanography.
Traditional satellite sensors struggled to capture ocean features smaller than 100 km, but SWOT can measure these small-scale dynamics (1 to 100 km) effectively, revealing their crucial roles in heat, carbon, and nutrient transport. This shift in understanding marks a critical advancement in ocean dynamics and its relationship with climate.
Key Points
- SWOT satellite can observe small ocean features as small as 1 km for the first time.
- These small features significantly impact heat, carbon, and nutrient transport in the ocean.
- SWOT’s advanced technology enhances accuracy and lowers noise compared to previous satellite altimeters.
- The findings highlight the importance of small-scale ocean dynamics in regulating Earth’s climate.
- Researchers stress the need for further collaborative studies to fully understand these dynamics.
Why should I read this?
If you’re fascinated by how the little things in our oceans play a big role in our climate, this article is a must-read! With new insights from NASA’s innovative SWOT satellite, you’ll learn how much we’ve been underestimating ocean swirls and their global impact. Stay in the loop with the latest in climate science – we’ve got it all neatly wrapped up for you!