THE SMART APPROACH - WHAT IS IT? The Earth's oceans have a vital impact on shaping long-term climate patterns and short-term weather phenomena. By better comprehending the changes in ocean currents and closely observing factors such as temperature, salt levels, and carbon content, we can improve our capacity to predict weather and climate conditions on land with increased accuracy. Understanding ocean dynamics and closely tracking important variables is crucial for preserving the environment, conducting climate research, and managing natural resources sustainably. In recent years, telecommunications network providers have made great strides by introducing sophisticated submarine telecom cables that can play host to new state-of-the-art sensors. These sensors can monitor various environmental factors such as temperature, pressure, salinity, movement, and currents. Known as Scientific Monitoring and Reliable Telecommunications (SMART) cables, these innovative undersea cables serve a dual purpose. Not only do they transmit data for communication purposes, but they are also contributing significantly to global environmental monitoring and research efforts. Beyond their primary function of enabling instant communication across continents, these SMART cables are now pivotal tools in addressing the
THE SMART CABLES JOINT TASK FORCE (JTF)
Known as Scientific Monitoring and Reliable Telecommunications (SMART) cables, these innovative undersea cables serve a dual purpose. Not only do they transmit data for communication purposes, but they are also contributing significantly to global environmental monitoring and research efforts. cutting-edge low-power sensors and artificial intelligence, will continuously transmit real-time or near-real-time data to publicly accessible databases. The data will complement the information gathered by ocean surface satellites. GOOS leaders envision Soon, advancements in cost-effective technology could revolutionize our ability to monitor the oceans. A sophisticated network comprising gliders, autonomous underwater vehicles, Argo floats, moorings, and research platforms, all outfitted with a global ocean observing system by 2030 tailored to the scientific users' specific needs. The system will provide pertinent information concerning climate, operational necessities, marine ecosystem well-being, and human impacts, drawn from a combination of local and remote ocean observations. Numerous organizations, including UNESCO, the ITU, the World Meteorological Organization, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, and various ocean science organizations, have added their support to the JTF’s mission to drive the adoption of SMART cables. The overarching objective is to streamline and
pressing issue of climate change. Additionally, by facilitating the transmission of large quantities of renewable energy between countries, these undersea cables can hold the potential to support and accelerate the transition to sustainable and environmentally friendly energy sources. The SMART Subsea Cables Initiative aims to profoundly impact ocean observation by integrating sensors into transoceanic telecommunications cables. The innovative approach will enable continuous ocean monitoring, providing invaluable insights into climate change, cable security, and detecting and monitoring seismic events like earthquakes and tsunamis. The initiative seeks to create a global network of sensor- equipped subsea telecommunications cables that will provide a constant power source and real-time data streams while stationary, making them ideal for climate studies. SMART cables represent a fusion of robust and standard fiber optic communication cables and cutting-edge deep-sea scientific instrumentation packages. Within these cables, repeaters serve as protective enclosures for the ocean sensors and their accompanying electronics while also providing a power source. The data collected by the sensors is then transmitted in real-time along a dedicated pair of fiber optic cables. Essentially, SMART cable sensors leverage the power and communication infrastructure of millions of kilometers of undersea fiber optic cables and thousands of repeaters, to create a cost-effective method of conducting global ocean observation from the seafloor. Fiber optic sensing enhances ocean observation by providing constant reliable, and instantaneous data while overcoming common limitations associated with traditional sensors. Fiber optic sensors allow for real-time, in-situ measurements, and providing continuous data without delays. The real-time capability is crucial for understanding dynamic ocean processes, where fixed data collection is invaluable. Fiber sensors are also compact and lightweight, making them ideal for deployment in various oceanographic settings.
The JTF SMART Cables Initiative, led by the United Nations, aims to bring together the scientific research community with the telecommunications industry to pave the way for a continuous and strategic expansion of a SMART subsea cable network and gain a better understanding of the Earth. The network is designed to constantly monitor various properties of climate change, such as ocean heat content, circulation patterns, and rising sea level. It also plays an outsized role in providing early detection warnings for earthquakes and tsunamis and monitoring seismic activity better to understand the structures of the Earth’s biggest hazards. Reliable, real-time data is essential for reducing the risks associated with natural disasters. It is crucial for making well-informed decisions regarding the sustainable development of coastal and offshore infrastructure, including undersea cables and their global connectivity mission. The SMART Cables Joint Task Force (JTF) aims to leverage substantial private and public investments in telecommunications infrastructure by collaborating with governments and telecommunications suppliers on new subsea fiber cable projects. Through this initiative, each deployed cable has the potential to host numerous deep ocean and seismic sensors, offering a cost-effective alternative to standalone scientific systems. GLOBAL OCEAN OBSERVING SYSTEM 2030 STRATEGY Understanding the Ocean is crucial in addressing a wide range of challenges facing society, including those related to natural and human-induced phenomena including climate change, ocean circulation, rising sea levels, tsunamis, and earthquakes. The SMART cables can significantly enhance important scientific and research initiatives with new sources for reliable, long-term climate data from the under-explored ocean. By investing in SMART cables, we can establish a comprehensive international network of durable sensors and enhance the Global Ocean Observing System ( GOOS ).
The innovative approach will enable continuous ocean
monitoring, providing invaluable insights into climate change, cable
security, and detecting and monitoring seismic events like earthquakes and tsunamis.
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ICT TODAY
October/November/December 2024
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