Futures

Understanding the Importance of Seamounts for Navigation, Biodiversity, and Climate Change, (from page 20230423.)

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Summary

The U.S. submarine fleet faces navigational hazards from uncharted underwater seamounts, as highlighted by accidents involving the USS San Francisco and USS Connecticut. With only a quarter of the ocean floor mapped, radar satellites have identified over 43,000 seamounts, most of which remain uncharted. These formations are significant not just for navigation but also for marine biodiversity, geology, and climate studies. Seamounts provide habitats for diverse marine life, affect ocean currents, and are targets for deep-sea mining due to rare-earth minerals. New satellite data enhances the understanding of these underwater features, aiding in ecological protection and climate change preparation.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Increased Seamount Discovery High-resolution radar data reveals thousands of previously unknown seamounts. From limited knowledge of seamounts to a comprehensive catalog of over 27,000. A detailed understanding of underwater topography will enhance navigation safety and biodiversity conservation. Advancements in satellite technology and funding for oceanographic research. 5
Seamounts as Biodiversity Oases Seamounts are recognized as vital habitats for marine biodiversity. From underappreciation to acknowledgment of seamounts as critical for marine life. Seamounts will be integral to marine conservation strategies and biodiversity protection efforts. Growing awareness of biodiversity loss and the importance of marine ecosystems. 4
Marine Protection Treaties New international agreements aim to protect biodiversity in international waters. From unregulated waters to areas with legal protections for marine life. Stronger enforcement of marine protections will lead to healthier ocean ecosystems. International collaboration to combat biodiversity loss and climate change. 4
Role of Seamounts in Climate Dynamics Seamounts influence ocean currents and climate through upwelling. From a simplified view of ocean dynamics to recognition of seamounts as key players. Enhanced understanding of ocean circulation will improve climate models and predictions. Urgent need to understand climate change impacts and ocean health. 5
Technological Advancements in Ocean Mapping Improved satellite and sonar technologies accelerate ocean floor mapping. From slow, costly mapping methods to rapid, high-resolution surveys. Comprehensive ocean maps will inform research, navigation, and resource management. Technological innovations and funding for ocean exploration initiatives. 5

Concerns

name description relevancy
Navigational Hazards for Submarines Uncharted seamounts present significant risks for naval vessels, leading to potential accidents similar to past collisions. 5
Mining Impact on Marine Ecosystems Commercial interests in rare-earth minerals may lead to deep-sea mining, threatening biodiversity and marine habitats. 4
Climate Change Mitigation Challenges Insufficient knowledge about seamounts limits our understanding of their role in oceanic heat and carbon dioxide sequestration, impairing climate change preparedness. 5
Biodiversity Mismanagement Inadequate mapping of seamounts can hinder effective conservation efforts, risking loss of genetically distinct marine species and ecosystems. 5
Misinformation from Inaccurate Data Errors from outdated sonar data can mislead scientific research, wasting resources and time in marine biology studies. 3
Changing Understandings of Ocean Dynamics New insights on how seamounts influence ocean currents may alter established paradigms in oceanography, requiring reassessment of climate models. 4

Behaviors

name description relevancy
Enhanced Underwater Mapping Utilizing high-resolution radar satellites to discover and catalog underwater seamounts, improving navigation and understanding of oceanic geography. 5
Integration of Satellite Data in Marine Research Combining satellite data with oceanographic research to provide insights into marine biodiversity and geological processes. 4
Commercial Interest in Seamounts Identifying seamounts as potential sources of rare-earth minerals, attracting commercial deep-sea mining activities. 4
Climate Change Preparedness Using improved seafloor mapping to better understand and prepare for climate change impacts through ocean dynamics. 5
Biodiversity Conservation Efforts Mapping seamounts to enhance conservation strategies and protect marine biodiversity in international waters. 5
Research on Ocean Currents and Upwelling Studying how seamounts contribute to ocean currents and the upward mixing of deep waters, affecting global climate. 5
Collaboration in Oceanographic Research International projects like Seabed 2030 highlight the collaborative effort to enhance ocean mapping techniques and data sharing. 4

Technologies

description relevancy src
Satellites that measure ocean height to detect underwater seamounts, enhancing navigation and geological understanding. 5 af97efd4ac2988bb3851b4baf7ebb361
An international initiative aimed at accelerating high-resolution sonar mapping of the ocean floor. 5 af97efd4ac2988bb3851b4baf7ebb361
A satellite designed to measure water surface height with high precision, aiding in oceanographic studies. 5 af97efd4ac2988bb3851b4baf7ebb361

Issues

name description relevancy
Underwater Mapping Technology Advancements in satellite radar and sonar mapping technologies to identify underwater features like seamounts for navigation and ecological research. 4
Marine Biodiversity Preservation Increasing recognition of seamounts as critical habitats for marine biodiversity, influencing conservation efforts in international waters. 5
Deep-Sea Mining Growing interest in deep-sea mining of rare-earth minerals found in seamounts, raising economic and environmental concerns. 4
Climate Change Mitigation Understanding the role of seamounts in ocean currents and heat/carbon dioxide sequestration to address climate change implications. 5
Geological Research Enhancements in geological studies of tectonic activity and volcanic systems through improved mapping of seamounts. 4
Oceanographic Studies Focus on the impact of seamounts on ocean circulation patterns and their contribution to upward ocean mixing. 4