NASA’s Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) and Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (PACE) missions provide groundbreaking insights into Earth’s oceans, vital for understanding climate dynamics and marine ecosystems. SWOT, launched in December 2022, surveys the height of water bodies worldwide, revealing changes in oceans, lakes, and rivers. Meanwhile, the PACE satellite, set to launch in February 2024, measures phytoplankton populations and atmospheric aerosol distribution.
Together, their data enhances our grasp of the ocean’s role in climate regulation and life support. Localized physical processes like eddies influence nutrient availability, boosting phytoplankton growth—essential organisms that generate approximately half of Earth’s oxygen and form the base of marine food chains. The integration of SWOT and PACE data allows for a comprehensive understanding of ocean currents and their impact on ecosystems, aiding in the management of fisheries and carbon cycling.
By visualizing overlapping data, scientists can observe how lower sea surface heights correlate with areas of increased phytoplankton concentration, illustrating the dynamic interactions within marine environments. These missions exemplify significant advancements in Earth observation, crucial for sustainable resource management and climate research.
