British scientists have revealed a certain type of technology that can help marine biologists and climate scientists study the ocean using ocean acidification as seen from space.

This new method offers remote monitoring of large areas of the ocean previously inaccessible to satellites orbiting the planet at a distance of 700 kilometers. According to lead researcher Jamie Shutler of the University of Exeter, satellites are a pivotal instrument in monitoring ocean acidification, especially in remote regions and the dangerous, treacherous waters in the Arctic. 

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This technique can also slash costs since it's challenging and expensive to conduct yearly direct measurements in remote and inaccessible locations. Scientists are now using these new techniques to monitor the oceans and help quickly identify those regions that are at risk of increasing acidification.

Every year, more than a quarter of the planet's total carbon dioxide emissions originating from burning fossil fuels and cement and industrial production are absorbed by the Earth's oceans.

This process transforms seawater and makes it more acidic. This increased acidification can harm and destroy marine biodiversity and ecosytems.

This rising carbon dioxide emissions along with the increase of acidity in the oceans can devastate marine life and human food source. That's why it's pivotal for scientists to monitor changes in the ocean acidity.

This new technology uses satellites with thermal cameras to measure ocean temperatures and microwave sensors to pick-up salinity. These measurements analyze ocean acidity more quickly and more easily in larger and remote areas compared to previous studies.

Satellites used for the mission include the European Space Agency's Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity sensor launched in 2009 and NASA's Aquarius satellite launched in 2011.

This study was published in the journal, Environmental Science and Technology.

TagsNew Map Reveals How Acidic the Earth's Oceans Are, ocean acidification, NASA, ESA, oceans earth acid acidification satellite measure map