New step in ocean research

A big step forward in oceanographic research is coming soon. In June, the US Aerospace Agency (NASA) will launch the Aquarius satellite into space to study the water cycle on Earth through the determination of seawater salinity.

Seawater salinity is a more scientifically significant element than we think because this quantity reflects the evaporation and density of seawater. Obtaining salt level data will help scientists answer questions about the tendency of precipitation (rain) as well as circulation of the ocean and the ability to absorb CO ₂ of seawater.

Previously, the determination of seawater salinity was mainly based on direct observation on marine research ships or commercial vessels with very different routes. Therefore, the synchronization in the data on salinity is very low and it takes time to analyze and synthesize the database as desired.

Aquarius satellite is a big step in ocean research. Photo : NASA

Since the 70s of the last century, oceanographers have always wanted to be able to answer the question of " how much the ocean's salt is " by measuring shortwave emission from the ocean to not only save time but also ensure the highest synchronization. That dream is about to come true when on June 9, NASA will launch the Aquarius satellite into space with a mission to determine the ocean's salinity on a global scale.

'This is really a big step forward in oceanography,' said Eric Lindstrom, an expert in the project, 'Aquarius satellite will help scientists assert the hypotheses about the change of water cycle in the context of the impact of global warming '.

The launch of Aquarius will be the next effort in NASA's Earth Monitoring project after successive failure to launch satellites to monitor CO2 (2009) and solar radiation (early in the year). 2011).

The 'Heart' of Aquarius is a trio of ultra-sensitive signal receivers that capture weak shortwave radiation waves emitted naturally from the ocean. These emissions vary according to the electrical conductivity of seawater - quantities directly related to the value of salinity. With a system of 3 receivers, satellites can receive data on a wide area of ​​nearly 390 km of sea, allowing Aquarius to cover the entire world ocean within 7 days and monitoring the variation of salinity in seawater. down to 0.2%.

Aquarius will help scientists study large-scale seasonal fluctuations. Global warming promotes faster water cycles because warm air will retain more water vapor, evaporate more, leading to increased rain and consequently extreme weather events. Out more often.

Raymond Schmitt, senior researcher at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute in Massachusetts, believes: ' We have a reason to be concerned about the changing water cycle on the planet faster than expected and it will become serious. more important in the future '.

This has been reflected in the number of extreme weather events that occur more frequently in recent years. ' Salt of the ocean is the best approach to study how the water cycle will change. It is not easy to solve this problem but with the help of devices like Aquarius will bring many opportunities in our ocean research . '