NASA will conduct global water research to understand effects of climate change

By Isabella Caminoto / 14/12/2022 / 1 minute reading

An international satellite mission led by NASA, the US space agency, has launched from southern California to conduct a comprehensive survey of the world's oceans, lakes and rivers for the first time. Dubbed Swot, short for “water surface and ocean topography,” the advanced radar satellite is designed to provide scientists with an unprecedented look at the vital liquid that covers 70% of the planet, revealing new data about the mechanics and consequences of climate changes.

On Dec. 15, the Surface Water and Ocean Topography satellite is set to launch. The SWOT mission is an important step for #TrackingWorldWater & is perfect opportunity to spark STEM learning about Earth's water budget & water cycle.

🌊Dive into resources:https://t.co/xYqHmatDcM pic.twitter.com/xuGVIMQKf9
— NASA STEM (@NASASTEM) December 13, 2022

One of the main objectives of SWOT mission is to explore how oceans absorb atmospheric heat and carbon dioxide (CO2) in a natural process that moderates global temperatures and climate changes.

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👋 Hello from Castaic Lake, CA. One of the things the SWOT mission will do is help scientists track the amount of fresh water in lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, and monitor how they change over time. Hear from @NASAJPL hydrologist Dr. Cedric David. https://t.co/VVxlSZyChG pic.twitter.com/dKfZef6siU
- NASA Earth (@NASAEarth) March 11, 2022

It is estimated that the oceans have absorbed more than 90% of the excess heat trapped in the Earth's atmosphere by human-caused greenhouse gas emissions.