Ocean-watch satellite to measure salinity
Baku, June 11 (AZERTAC). NASA launched a satellite to observe levels of salt on the surface of the world`s oceans and measure how changes in salinity may be linked to future climate.
The US$400 million Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft, a partnership with Argentina, launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.
The orbiting science instrument will aim to map the entire open ocean every seven days from its position 657 km above Earth, producing monthly estimates that show how salt levels change over time and location.
"Data from this mission will advance our understanding of the ocean," said Michael Freilich, director of NASA`s Earth Science Division in Washington. NASA said the mission will survey salinity at the ocean`s surface in "the most detailed summary of conditions ever undertaken”.
Salinity is increasing in some ocean regions, like the subtropical Atlantic, which means more fresh water is being lost through evaporation at the sea surface.
But no one knows why this is happening; nor can anyone pinpoint why other areas are experiencing more rainfall and lower salinity. To solve these mysteries, scientists need a comprehensive look at global salinity.
Within a few months, Aquarius will collect as many sea surface salinity measurements as the entire 125-year historical record from ships and buoys.
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