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A research team from several institutes published an incredibly detailed map of Antarctica from recently obtained satellite images. The map, called the Antarctic Reference Elevation Model (REMA), shows the physical characteristics and overall terrain structure of the Antarctic that will help researchers understand the impact at sea. long-term climate change on nature.
"Until now, we had a better map of Mars than that of Antarctica. It is now the best-mapped continent on Earth.
NGA provided images and expertise to the first high-resolution model of #Antarctic. The model was created with a supercomputer @Illinois_Alma and open source software of @ByrdPolar. Learn more »https://t.co/AEEYyM8bmN pic.twitter.com/SDmxpOgXL6– NGA (@NGA_GEOINT) September 5, 2018
Antarctica is the driest and coldest continent on Earth, where surface waters rarely exist. Almost the entire continent is covered with ice. The remoteness and harsh conditions of the Antarctic make it an extremely challenging exploration site.
To create this most complete and accurate map, the researchers used high-resolution satellite imagery. The images collected by satellite have a resolution of 8 meters or about 26 feet. This means that researchers are now aware of the height of each mountain and all the ice in the whole of Antarctica a few meters away. The map covers an area of about 14 million square kilometers, which is much larger than the lower 48 states of the United States.
"Considering that Antarctica is the tallest, driest and one of the most remote places on the planet, we now have an incredible topographic model," said researcher Paul Morin. in Earth Sciences at the University of Minnesota.
"Now, we will be able to see more than ever the evolution of the melting and the deposition of ice. This will help us to understand the impact of climate change and sea level rise. We will be able to see it before our eyes.
The project began with images taken by satellites in polar orbit about 400 to 700 kilometers in space. After more than six years, the satellites have collected enough images to create a high resolution topographic map. The images were processed with the help of supercomputer Blue Waters, one of the largest university supercomputers in the world.
"This is only the first step – we have never dreamed that we could handle this volume of data with such precision," said Morin. "For us, it's magical At this time, we will be able to answer some very important scientific questions with these data.This was a high-risk, high-performance science that has paid off.
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