Wind farm construction must start with a geophysical understanding of the seafloor .
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CHARTING NEW TERRITORY For one thing , scientists need to understand how to navigate rising sea levels . Ocean mapping is important for clearer modeling of the effects of climate change , says Brian Connon , vice president of ocean mapping at Saildrone , a company that designs , manufactures and operates wind and solar-powered uncrewed surface vehicles ( USVs ) on the ocean . GPS systems and an onboard computer help the USVs follow prescribed paths . “ To understand how sea level is going to rise or what the inundation after a hurricane will be , you need high-resolution bathymetric maps ,” Connon says . A bathymetric map details the 3D features of the floors of water bodies .
Knowing what is on the ocean floor will be key to preserving habitats , Connon adds .
The ocean may also offer hope in actively battling global warming by supporting alternative energy production . Every offshore wind farm project , for example , needs to start with a geophysical understanding of the seafloor . “ Otherwise , you ’ re just guessing . You don ’ t know if there is sand or silt . You need to understand if there ’ s bedrock ,” says Anthony DiMare , CEO and
“ To understand how sea level is going to rise or what the inundation after a hurricane will be , you need high-resolution bathymetric maps .”
— Brian Connon , VP of ocean mapping , Saildrone
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