interpret how we affect the born humanity ask knowledge of what has interchange over time . For this intellect , researchers have come up with theReference Elevation Model of Antarctica ( REMA ) , the most detailed high - resolving function of Antarctica ever created . In fact , it ’s so good that it is actually the good terrain function of a continent ever made .
The map has a solution of 8 meters ( 26 feet ) , although in certain situation this goes all the manner down to an incredible 2 meters ( 6.5 feet ) . Previous mapping have typically had a resolution of 1,000 meters ( 3,280 foot ) , so the startle in quality is significant . The function also has timestamps , which will allow investigator to monitor change , even very small one .
“ It is the high - result terrain single-valued function by far of any continent , ” task loss leader Professor Ian Howat , from The Ohio State University , allege in astatement . “ Up until now , we ’ve had a better map of Mars than we ’ve had of Antarctica . Now it is the well - mapped continent . ”
The newly minted Antarctic topographic map. REMA
The high - firmness of purpose mathematical function was possible thanks to range taken by a constellation of satellite in polar area . Each neighborhood has been observed up to 10 times . information from the labor comes from images take as early as 2009 and as recently as 2017 , during the austral summertime ( mostly December to March ) . The first interpretation currently available include 98 percent of Antarctica ’s contiguous continental land mass . The last map has a full file size of 150 TiB .
“ At this resolution , you could see almost everything . We can actually see variations in the snow in some places . We will be capable to measure changes in the surface of the continent over time , ” Howat tote up . “ We will see changes in snow screening , changes in the motility of ice , we will be able-bodied to monitor river discharge , flooding and volcanoes . We will be able to see the cutting of glaciers . ”
The single-valued function – which will carry on to be updated – is so precise that it will allow teams of scientists to tackle missions in difficult - to - access regions whose terrain conditions were previously unidentified . It will become an important instrument for not only exploring the icy continent but also help us preserve it .
The newly minted Antarctic topographic map. REMA
