Global Ocean Analysis Offers Cost-Effective Alternative for Seafloor Positioning
A study finds that global ocean analysis products can replace expensive in-situ sound speed measurements for precise seafloor positioning, potentially reducing costs and logistical challenges in marine geodetic surveys.
A recent study published in Satellite Navigation highlights a significant advancement in seafloor positioning technology, demonstrating that global ocean analysis products can serve as a cost-effective alternative to traditional in-situ sound speed measurements. The research, conducted by a team from the First Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources and Shandong University of Science and Technology, utilized the HYbrid Coordinate Ocean Model (HYCOM) global ocean analysis to achieve centimeter-level accuracy in seafloor positioning.
The study compared the effectiveness of HYCOM global ocean analysis derived sound speed profiles (SSPs) with traditional in-situ measurements and the Munk empirical profile. Findings revealed that the HYCOM approach delivered horizontal positioning accuracy of 0.2 cm (RMS) and vertical accuracy of 2.9 cm (RMS), closely matching the precision of in-situ measurements but at a fraction of the cost. This innovation is particularly promising for applications in marine geodetic surveys, including the study of tectonic movements, earthquakes, and marine resource exploration.
Dr. Yanxiong Liu, the study's corresponding author, emphasized the practical implications of these findings, noting the potential for broader scientific and industrial applications due to reduced costs and compatibility with unmanned vehicles. The study's outcomes could revolutionize seafloor geodetic monitoring by making high-precision surveys more accessible, especially in earthquake-prone regions and for offshore infrastructure projects.
For more details on the study, visit https://doi.org/10.1186/s43020-025-00170-z.