The science of ocean bathymetry has evolved significantly since its early days. In the past, simpler depth measurements were performed manually using ropes and weights. Today, the Seabed 2030 project, supported by the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030), aims to leverage advanced technology to accurately map the entire global ocean floor by the end of the century.
Integrate bathymetric data from around the world and make it available online for free
Seabed 2030 is a massive hydrographic survey led by the Nippon Foundation, a Japanese philanthropy, and the General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans (GEBCO). GEBCO, an intergovernmental organization, aims to produce a reliable map of the seafloor, detailing the depth and shape of the world's ocean floor.
Scientists are mapping mid-ocean ridges, submarine volcanoes, remnant or underwater coastlines, hydrothermal vents, moraines carved by ancient glaciers, and new seafloor crust.
All data collected will be aggregated into the GEBCO Grid, a free, publicly available dataset. A key goal of the Seabed 2030 project is to create a comprehensive GEBCO Grid dataset, integrating bathymetric data from around the world.
To complete the seafloor mapping, Global Oceans, a US non-governmental organization and one of the project participants, will retrofit a towed Ocean Explorer 6000 system, capable of operating at depths of up to 6,000 meters, with multibeam sonar. This system will also support other projects within the project using Modular Adaptive Research Vessels (MARVs) in the future.
MARV is an operational model developed by Global Oceans that mobilizes modular workspace and resources for charter to scientific research projects requiring vessel charter. This model leverages the vast fleet of idle Offshore Service Vessels (OSVs) worldwide. This fleet can be equipped with the research tools needed to collect data and contribute to the Seabed 2030 goals.
The Ocean Explorer 6000 is a towed system deployable from a MARV OSV. Equipped with a state-of-the-art multibeam sonar and upgraded imaging technology, this remotely operated vehicle will be able to render high-resolution images of the seafloor over a larger area.
Source: Environmental Information Center (https://e-info.org.tw/node/233263)
