New satellite to tackle lingering mysteries of the deep blue sea
June 4, 2008 Ocean tides and currents across the globe still
hold within their watery grasp the key to unanswered questions
about our planet. " NASA satellites measure sea level with an
accuracy comparable to measuring the thickness of a sheet of
paper on the ground from the altitude of a commercial airliner.
" Scientists hope a new follow-on mission to the Jason-1 and
Topex/Poseidon satellite missions, equipped with the latest
high-tech instruments, will bring them closer to answering broad
fundamental questions: How does ocean circulation vary from
season to season, from year to year and from decade to decade?
How much can the ocean change from natural and human-induced
causes? In what ways does the ocean impact human activities? The
answers are essential when we consider that oceans cover 70
percent of Earth's surface. Their contents feed billions of
humans and animals alike, support whole industries, and are the
source of the rain and snow t