in spite of opinion, however, despite the improvement of technology, is only 0,3% lower than the estimate of 30 years ago.
The new given on the average depth of the ocean, in turn, is 21 to 51 meters smaller than the previous estimates.
The smallest volume of water resulting from the new calculation does not mean that the quantity of water in the oceans has changed, but only that the data were more precise.
The improvement of measuring techniques reflects a greater capacity to detect chains submarine mountains, which occupy an area which previously believed be occupied by water.
Satellite measurements show that the oceans "is more irregular and most mountainous than imagined", said Smith.
Nevertheless, the radar satellites are not able to "see" the fund of the ocean, explains the researcher. Instead, they measure the surface submarine, which reflects the beneath.
For example, if there is a cordillera under a given part of the ocean, their presence will result in a slight protuberance in the water surface. "I take the data set and I appreciate the location and the height of the mountains", says Smith.
The project for satellite measurements covered virtually all the oceans of the world, with the exception of some areas the Arctic, which are covered with ice. The result is a "new map-múndi" of the oceans, adds Smith. "Matt and I are seeing a better image of the form and volume of the oceans."
