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Earth's Oceans Under Watch: New Satellite Measures Rising Seas
4 Dec
Summary
- Sentinel-6B satellite uses radar to precisely measure global sea height.
- Data will help predict floods, sea-level rise, and climate migration.
- Atmospheric data from the satellite will improve weather predictions.
A new satellite, Sentinel-6B, has begun its mission to monitor the world's oceans with advanced radar technology. This cutting-edge instrument measures sea height by analyzing radar pulses, contributing to a long-term dataset essential for addressing the impacts of climate change.
The data collected by Sentinel-6B will be invaluable for urban planners and coastal authorities, enabling them to better prepare for rising sea levels, increased flooding, and potential climate-driven migration. Furthermore, the satellite gathers crucial atmospheric data, including temperature and humidity at various altitudes, which will significantly improve weather forecasting and our understanding of global climate patterns.
Considered a vital "eyes in the sky" by NASA, Sentinel-6B's continuous, high-precision sea-level monitoring bridges a critical data gap. This information will help predict long-term trends like coastal erosion and inform infrastructure planning in vulnerable delta regions and small island states, thus supporting adaptation efforts worldwide.
