Despite the fact that our ocean covers over 70% of the Earth’s surface and contains more than 95% of the Earth’s water, only about 5% of it has been explored. In comparison to other planets, it is clear that Earth is an ocean planet, and one about which we know very little. Exploring the ocean is crucial for gaining scientific knowledge and understanding our world, particularly in areas such as climate change, resources, and biodiversity. Compared to what we know about our moon and the planets in our universe, our knowledge of the ocean’s depths, including the ocean floor, is minimal. Recognizing this significant knowledge gap, NASA wants to better understand our ocean to advance its research on Earth as a whole. Oceans have a significant impact on climate change and weather, which in turn affects NASA’s research and understanding of the Earth system as a whole.
Besides the fact that the Earth’s ocean conditions are similar to those on other planets and in outer space, NASA plans to expand its knowledge of the ocean to better understand its role in climate change, search for life beyond Earth, and develop technology and information for future space missions. NASA has been observing the ocean for over 40 years, launching its first oceanographic satellite in 1978 to observe oceans from space. Now, technology for observing the ocean has expanded, and it continues to use data from satellites and other ocean sensors to gain a better understanding of the ocean. In the past, ocean research has been reliant on data from ships and drifters, tools that collect minimal information in a small area, making it hard to gain insight into the ocean’s diversity. Conducting larger-scale research enables the better collection of scientific data and helps us make more informed conclusions about Earth’s large and diverse ocean. Now, with NASA’s help from satellites, data can be used to model and map ocean surface conditions, focusing on factors such as rainfall, wind, currents, and more. Being able to observe these changes and patterns helps scientists understand changing global conditions and enables climate change researchers to predict events like flooding or droughts.
Currently, satellites are still used to collect data, and more knowledge is being gained as we better understand the link between the ocean and changing climate conditions. Oceans control the Earth’s weather, as they have changing temperatures, dry or humidify the air, and exhibit changing wind patterns. Besides the impact this research has on climate change, it also helps develop long-term weather patterns. These patterns help global conditions, such as the economy, biological systems, and agriculture. They predict population patterns, influence food and water supply, and help plan for disasters. In conclusion, NASA’s research on understanding climate change and ocean systems is driving technology and helping us learn how to manage and support our oceans for years to come.
In Orbit 