Understanding oceans: Why UNESCO wants to map 80% of the world‘s seabed

What is the News?

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has pledged to map around 80% of the world’s ocean floors by 2030. At present, only 20% of the seabed has been mapped and studied.

Why is the ocean floor being mapped by UNESCO?

The ocean floor is being mapped and studied to identify the following: a) Location of ocean faults, b) Workings of ocean currents and c) tides and Transport of sediments.

For this, the Seabed 2030 Project has also been launched in 2017.

How will be the ocean floor get mapped?

The ocean floor will be mapped by Deploying a fleet of 50 dedicated mapping vessels, intensifying the use of sonar on autonomous vessels, the transmission of cartographic data archived by governments and corporations and using other tools.

What is the significance of ocean floor mapping?

The ocean floor mapping will help us understand a) seismic and tsunami risks, b) sustainable fisheries resources, c) ways to deal with oil spills, d) air crashes and shipwrecks, e) potential for offshore infrastructure and f) in assessing the future effects of climate change, whether it be temperature increases or sea-level rise.

Source: This post is based on the article “Understanding oceans: Why UNESCO wants to map 80% of the world‘s seabed” published in Down To Earth on 11th Feb 2022.