For years, scientists have been developing simulations to enhance our understanding of Earth and explore its potential future. Some simulations stretch the imagination, like one from the NASA Scientific Visualization Studio, depicting Earth without oceans, a dramatic change given that oceans cover about 70 percent of our planet's surface.
Based at the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, the NASA Scientific Visualization Studio specializes in creating visualizations, animations, and images to deepen our understanding of Earth and space science.
The team comprises experts in various fields, including astronomy, planetology, climatology, cartography, and 3D modeling, enabling them to create realistic and captivating visualizations.
The animation reveals hidden details of the ocean floor as the water level gradually recedes. At 459 feet, the continental shelves emerge; at depths of 6,562 to 9,842 feet, mid-ocean ridges are exposed; and beyond 19,685 feet, the ocean's floor is visible, excluding the deep-ocean trenches like the Mariana Trench, which reaches depths of about 35,763 feet.
The disappearance of oceans would profoundly impact our planet, as they play a crucial role in driving the water cycle, regulating climate, supporting diverse life forms, supplying oxygen, and storing carbon dioxide. Despite oceans containing 96.5 percent of Earth's water, less than 3 percent is fresh and suitable for drinking, with a significant portion trapped in ice caps and glaciers. Nonetheless, a world without oceans remains an improbable scenario.
Contrary to this hypothetical scenario, sea levels have been rising since the 19th century, with a rise of approximately 7.9 inches globally. Scientists warn that further increases in global temperatures could lead to catastrophic effects.
The IPCC's 2019 Special Report on oceans and the cryosphere noted a significant increase in the rate of sea level rise, which was 0.14 inches per year between 2006-2015, about 2.5 times faster than between 1901-1990. Even with relatively low greenhouse gas emissions, experts predict a sea level rise of at least 1 foot above the 2000 level by the end of the century. This underscores the urgent need to combat global warming and protect our planet.