Seafloor Observation Scenario Exploration Tool: enabling representative exploration of the global deep seafloor

Frontiers in Marine Science

Marine Science

Brian R. C. Kennedy¹  Kristen N. Johannes²  Katherine L. C. Bell³ 

[1] Biology Department, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States;Ocean Discovery League, Saunderstown, RI, United States;Department of Graduate Studies, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States;Ocean Discovery League, Saunderstown, RI, United States;

关键词: seafloor observation;    marine spatial planning;    web tool;    capacity development;    deep submergence vehicles;    seafloor geomorphology;   

DOI  :  10.3389/fmars.2023.1251562

 received in 2023-07-01, accepted in 2023-10-06,  发布年份 2023

来源: Frontiers

【 摘 要 】

Visual observation of the seafloor is invaluable in understanding deep-sea biogeography, uncovering and expanding key global geological, oceanographic, and climate processes. And yet, due to the expense, inefficiency, and inequitable distribution of deep-sea tools, we have barely explored a small, biased fraction of it. Systematic and efficient exploration of the entire deep sea will require a concerted global effort. The current study uses global-coverage geospatial data to develop an interactive online tool for deep seafloor observation planning (i.e., depths below 200 m). The Seafloor Observation Scenario Exploration Tool integrates stakeholder goals and constraints into a dynamic modeling process that combines information about seafloor depth, seafloor geomorphology features, sites of past seafloor observation, Exclusive Economic Zones, and vessel traffic density. With the tool, users can identify maximally suitable areas for seafloor observation, which we envision supporting seafloor expedition planning and marine conservation action.

【 授权许可】

Unknown   
Copyright © 2023 Johannes, Kennedy and Bell