Four unmanned vessels map how Southern Ocean absorbs CO2
CSIRO has launched four unmanned, hurricane-proof ships. They measure carbon dioxide absorption across the Southern Ocean quarterly.
Australia's national science agency has deployed four uncrewed Saildrone vessels to study carbon emissions in Antarctic waters. The seven-metre, wind and solar-powered ships launched from CSIRO's Hobart base this week.
The ships will work for months at a time in extreme conditions. The ships measure how much CO2 the ocean surface absorbs from the atmosphere.
This is an important factor in climate forecasting. Understanding ocean carbon absorption helps scientists predict how global warming will happen.
The hardy robot ships can survive hurricane-force conditions that would force traditional research vessels ashore.
- Four
- Number of vessels
- Seven metres
- Vessel length
- Wind and solar
- Power source
- CSIRO Hobart
- Launch location
Why it mattersOcean carbon absorption is important for climate forecasts. Understanding it helps scientists predict how fast the world will warm.
AustraliaCSIRO's Southern Ocean data will improve Australia's ability to forecast local climate impacts and shape national climate policy.
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