This development represents a significant step forward in the mission to achieve a complete map of the seafloor by 2030, offering an unprecedented level of detail for the Arctic Ocean. It also provides vital insights for researchers and policymakers, contributing to safer navigation and more effective ocean exploration.
Established in 1997, IBCAO has long been the authoritative source of bathymetry for the Arctic Ocean, with the latest version—published in Scientific Data by Nature—representing a quantum leap in detail, with a grid-cell size of 100 x 100 meters, compared to 200 x 200 meters in the previous version.
This achievement was made possible through advanced compilation methods, including the use of cloud-based distributed computing and the integration of metadata.
The release also highlights the challenges and innovations associated with mapping the Arctic Ocean, where perennial sea-ice cover and extreme conditions have traditionally limited data collection. Overcoming these obstacles has required groundbreaking technology and international collaboration.
Commenting on the release, Martin Jakobsson, Co-Head of Seabed 2030’s Arctic and North Pacific Regional Center, said: “The release of IBCAO Version 5.0 is a testament to the collaborative effort of the Arctic research community and our dedication to overcoming the challenges posed by the extreme Arctic environment.
“This dataset not only furthers our understanding of the Arctic seabed but also exemplifies the power of teamwork in advancing global knowledge.”
Seabed 2030 Project Director Jamie McMichael-Phillips added: “This release underscores the importance of regional initiatives like IBCAO in helping us achieve our goal of a fully mapped ocean floor by 2030. It represents a crucial step towards making essential data accessible for sustainable ocean management.”
All data collected and shared with the Seabed 2030 project will be included in the free and publicly available GEBCO global grid.
