Modern Marine Research: NASA Oceanography
Marine research has been done by scientists since the year 1950. Nowadays, technologies of marine research are more advances which make scientists easier to do research about the ocean, geographically and biologically. The US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) have spread its wing wider to also cover the research methods of the ocean, since the ocean covers most of our earth (up to 70%). The purpose of this ocean research by NASA is to develop understanding of our whole planet Earth, above and below the land surface. NASA also contributes in maintaining and monitoring impact of humans to the ocean life using their highly advanced technologies.
Previously, scientists only use ships or drifters, which make the research harder and take more time because they can only cover a very small part of the ocean. NASA now developed the new method which marks the new era of marine science research. They use satellite to gather data and information about ocean surface, currents and waves, winds, planktons sample, topography, salinity and density, etc. Using this new advanced technology, NASA can gather a lot of information in a short time using their satellite, which makes the data more credible. By having this new method, scientists will now be able to calculate fish migration, seasonal changes, winds, waves, etc to prevent such natural disasters or to save a specific kind of species. Scientists can monitor the effect of seasonal and temperature changes to the ocean and vice versa. They can even maintain the normal fishing activity to avoid over-fishing of a certain species of fish. They can also preserve endangered animal by maintaining the animals’ life cycle (spawning season, mating season, migration, etc).
The first ever oceanographic satellite launched by NASA on June 28, 1978. This satellite carried five sensors which have been highly contributing in global ocean monitoring. The satellites are:
· A radar to measure height
· Microwave scatter-o-meter to measure wind speed and wind direction
· Multichannel microwave to measure sea temperature
· Infrared to identify cloud, land and water feature
· A radar to monitor global ocean surface and polar ice sea conditions
In 1978, there is also a satellite launched with the name Tiros-N and has been used to produce the first map of chlorophyll and primary productivity in the ocean. Nowadays, there are more and more communities and organizations with advanced technologies contribute in controlling the ocean for a better ocean and ocean wildlife condition in the future.
Written by: Wafina Mario
· A radar to measure height
· Microwave scatter-o-meter to measure wind speed and wind direction
· Multichannel microwave to measure sea temperature
· Infrared to identify cloud, land and water feature
· A radar to monitor global ocean surface and polar ice sea conditions
In 1978, there is also a satellite launched with the name Tiros-N and has been used to produce the first map of chlorophyll and primary productivity in the ocean. Nowadays, there are more and more communities and organizations with advanced technologies contribute in controlling the ocean for a better ocean and ocean wildlife condition in the future.
Written by: Wafina Mario