TAG: GS 1: GEOGRAPHY
THE CONTEXT: Recently, Scientists have discovered an ancient underwater mountain range hidden within the world’s strongest ocean current, the Antarctic Circumpolar Current.
EXPLANATION:
- It was an expedition conducted by an Australian and international research team.
- The team embarked on a high-resolution mapping endeavour aboard the CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation) research vessel Investigator.
- Spanning an expansive 20,000 square kilometers between Tasmania and Antarctica, the mission aimed to chart the seafloor with unprecedented precision, reaching depths of up to 4,000 meters.
The high-resolution mapping expedition conducted by an Australian and international research team.
Revelation of an Ancient Underwater Mountain Range:
- The meticulous three-dimensional mapping revealed an awe-inspiring chain of eight long-dormant volcanoes concealed beneath the world’s most robust oceanic current, the Antarctic Circumpolar Current.
- This submerged mountain range boasted peaks soaring as high as 1,500 meters, a testament to the intricate and dynamic geological history of the region.
Scientific Significance of Discoveries:
- A geophysicist with CSIRO, expressed exhilaration over the findings.
- Among these discoveries were four previously unknown volcanoes, complemented by comprehensive details on seamounts and a fault line ridge partially mapped during earlier expeditions.
- Situated atop the tectonically active Macquarie Ridge, these seamounts were formed by hotspot magmatism within the last 20 million years.
Synergistic Approach: Mapping from Sea to Space:
- The FOCUS voyage is strategically designed to align with the capabilities of the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite.
- FOCUS voyage is a joint venture by NASA and the French space agency CNES, underscored the significance of collaborative scientific exploration.
- This synchronized effort facilitated concurrent mapping from both maritime and space perspectives, furnishing an all-encompassing view of the ocean’s intricate features.
Understanding the Ocean’s Role in Climate Dynamics:
- The chief scientist spearheading the voyage, emphasized the pressing need to comprehend the ocean’s pivotal role as a ‘climate shock absorber.’
- The ocean absorbs more than 90% of the heat stemming from global warming and approximately 25% of human-induced CO2 emissions.
- The team concentrated on delineating how heat transits towards Antarctica, influencing ice melt and contributing to the alarming rise in sea levels, a critical concern in the realm of climate change mitigation efforts.
Insights into Ocean Dynamics and Climate Mitigation:
- Co-chief scientist from the University of Tasmania, underscored the profound impact of the seafloor’s topography on ocean dynamics.
- The interaction between the Antarctic Circumpolar Current and the seafloor spawns eddies, pivotal in transporting heat and carbon deeper into the ocean.
- This mechanism acts as a buffer against global warming, elucidating the critical role of underwater topography in influencing climate dynamics.
Beyond Geological Wonder: Implications for Climate Study:
- The discovery of this hidden underwater mountain range transcends mere geological marvels.
- It offers invaluable insights into the intricate behaviour of ocean currents and their profound impact on climate dynamics.
- By unravelling the mysteries of these submerged landscapes, scientists strive to enhance their understanding of climate systems and aid in formulating effective strategies for climate change mitigation.
Conclusion:
- The revelation of this ancient underwater mountain range, shrouded within the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, stands as a testament to the inexhaustible wonders of the natural world.
- This discovery not only unveils geological marvels but also serves as a beacon illuminating the path toward a deeper comprehension of our planet’s climate dynamics and the urgent need for proactive measures to mitigate the impacts of climate change.