NASA SWOT to measure fresh water on Earth

The Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission is NASA’s first global survey of Earth’s surface water. The SWOT Science Team has researchers from around the globe with expertise in oceanography and hydrology. This multidisciplinary group is tackling pressing issues such as availability of Earth’s freshwater resources, our changing ocean and coasts, and much more. Their studies will be essential for achieving societal goals of clean air and water, preparedness for extreme events, and adaptation to long-term environmental changes on continental scales.

Using state-of-the-art “radar interferometry” technology to measure the elevation of water, SWOT will observe major lakes, rivers and wetlands while detecting ocean features with unprecedented resolution. SWOT data will provide critical information that is needed to assess water resources on land, track regional sea level changes, monitor coastal processes, and observe small-scale ocean currents and eddies.

Learn more about NASA’s SWOT mission.