Find out why NASA stopped studying the ocean 😯🌎

Why NASA stopped studying the ocean? The truth is more complex and involves several factors.

Are you curious to understand more about the subject? Come and I’ll tell you everything!

What are the oceans and what are they for?

The oceans, which cover around 71% of the Earth’s surface, are vast expanses of salty water that are home to rich biodiversity, as well as playing a crucial role in the planet’s climate.

They basically regulate the Earth’s temperature by absorbing much of the sun’s heat and releasing it slowly over time.

The oceans also influence rain and wind patterns, generating storms and sea currents that affect weather around the world.

3 interesting facts about the oceans

I bet you didn’t know some interesting facts about the oceans. So, let’s go!

Oxygen richness: Although the Amazon forests are known as the “lungs of the world,” most of the oxygen we breathe is produced by microscopic organisms that live in the oceans, such as phytoplankton.

Mountains and valleys at the bottom of the sea: just like the Earth’s surface, the oceans have underwater mountains, abyssal plains and ocean trenches, such as the Mariana Trench, the deepest point on Earth.

Different flavors: sea water does not taste the same everywhere. Salinity varies depending on location, temperature and evaporation.

The rate of water evaporation varies depending on the climate. In hotter and drier regions, water evaporates more quickly, concentrating the salts and intensifying the salty flavor. In colder, more humid areas, evaporation is less, resulting in a less intense flavor.

After all, why did NASA stop studying the ocean?

Understand below what actually happened:

1 – NASA’s main focus

NASA’s main mission is to explore outer space, that is, outside of Earth, which naturally directs most of its resources and efforts to this area.

Furthermore, it is responsible for developing new technologies. Therefore, by creating tools and equipment for space exploration, such as rockets, robots and telescopes that will assist in missions.

2 – History of ocean exploration

NASA already had a program dedicated to ocean exploration in the 1960s called the NOPP Oceanographic Program.

This program was very important and mapped ocean currents, studied marine life and collected data about the seabed.

However, the program was closed in 1986 due to budget cuts made at the time.

3 – Areas of interest

Despite the end of the NOPP, NASA is still interested in research related to the oceans, mainly in areas such as: climate change, extraterrestrial life and space technologies.

Understand each topic below! 👇

• Climate Change: studying the oceans is crucial to understanding climate change and its impacts on Earth. NASA uses satellites to monitor sea level, sea surface temperature and other important indicators.
• Extraterrestrial Life: the search for life on other planets leads scientists to study extreme environments on Earth, such as the deep oceans. NASA collaborates with other agencies and institutions on research in these areas.
• Space Technologies: Technologies developed for space exploration can be adapted to study the oceans, such as autonomous submersible vehicles and remote sensors.

4 – Partnerships and collaboration

NASA does not conduct ocean research alone. The company frequently collaborates with other government agencies, research institutions and universities to conduct joint studies and exchange knowledge.

5 – Financing and priorities

The decision to invest in specific research depends on several factors, such as resource availability, agency priorities and relevance to NASA’s mission.

Why did NASA stop studying the ocean? In short, NASA did not abandon the study completely, but rather adjusted its focus and approach according to its resources, priorities and partnerships.

Space exploration remains the agency’s main focus, but the oceans still enjoy recognition as an important topic for scientific research today.

Furthermore, for more information on the subject you can find it on the websites of NASA, NOAA and environmental institutions about the seas.

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