A decade after the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, which left Kuala Lumpur with 239 people aboard and vanished over the Indian Ocean, the search operations not only failed to locate the aircraft but also revealed the vast, unmapped expanses beneath the waves. This discovery underscored the need for extensive mapping of the ocean floor, leading to the launch of the Seabed 2030 project, aimed at charting all seafloor features larger than 100 meters by 2030.
The Seabed 2030 project, initiated by the General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans (GEBCO) and the Nippon Foundation, focuses on supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14 to conserve and sustainably use ocean resources. When the project began in 2017, only 6% of the ocean floor had been mapped to modern standards, highlighting a significant gap in our understanding of the marine environment. Seabed 2030 seeks to close this knowledge gap by integrating various data sources and mapping technologies to create a comprehensive, accessible seafloor grid.
Recent advancements in ocean mapping have been driven by both traditional and innovative methods. In January 2024, the discovery of four large seamounts off the coasts of Central and South America by Seabed 2030 partner, the Schmidt Ocean Institute, demonstrated the potential of satellite altimetry in identifying underwater features by detecting minute variations in the ocean’s surface caused by gravity anomalies. This method proved crucial for the project, emphasizing the importance of collaborative and open data resources.
The Seabed 2030 project not only utilizes satellite observations and sonar readings but also encourages the contribution of data from diverse sources such as fishing and cargo vessels, and even remote sensing companies. For instance, a significant data donation from the Japan Coast Guard provided detailed bathymetric data covering areas around Japan and Antarctica. This open-source data approach helps in building a detailed map that is freely accessible through the GEBCO grid.
Despite the progress made, mapping the entirety of the ocean floor by 2030 presents formidable challenges, including the need for advanced technology and increased data collection capacities. Seabed 2030 has partnered with organizations like Saildrone, which uses uncrewed hydrographic vessels capable of operating in deep waters, to collect data more efficiently and cost-effectively. Additionally, artificial intelligence, specifically deep learning techniques, are being explored to enhance the resolution of existing topographic data, further supporting the project’s goals.
In conclusion, Seabed 2030 represents a critical effort in oceanography, combining global collaboration, advanced technology, and an open-source ethos to comprehensively map the ocean floor. By addressing the technological and logistical challenges and leveraging international cooperation, the project aims to complete its ambitious goal within the set timeframe, significantly expanding our understanding of Earth’s final frontiers.
www.eos.org/articles/new-seafloor-map-only-25-done-with-6-years-to-go