Subsea telecommunications cables: A driver for scientific research

Subsea telecommunications cables have long been the backbone of global communication, connecting continents and enabling the rapid transmission of data across vast distances. These optical fibre networks, hidden beneath the ocean’s surface, are essential for modern life, carrying everything from internet traffic to phone calls.

Beyond their role in connectivity, these cables have taken on a new and exciting function: supporting scientific research. With projects like the EllaLink GeoLab, subsea telecommunications cables are being transformed into tools for monitoring the environment, studying seismic activity, and advancing our understanding of the oceans.

This convergence of technology and science is enhancing our ability to communicate and unlocking the mysteries of the deep sea and its critical role in the Earth’s ecosystem.

What are subsea telecommunications cables?

Subsea telecommunications cables, stretching over 1.2 million kilometres across the seabed, are critical for global connectivity. These optical fibre cables transmit around 95% of international data, including internet traffic, phone calls, and emails. With them, modern communications are possible.

However, their potential extends far beyond data transmission. Integrating advanced technologies into these systems has opened new opportunities for scientific research, making them key instruments for exploring and understanding the deep ocean.

The EllaLink GeoLab: bridging science and technology

The EllaLink GeoLab is a pioneering initiative that exemplifies how subsea cables can be utilized for scientific research. Developed as a collaboration between EllaLink, EMACOM, FCT, and GÉANT, this project integrates scientific monitoring tools into the EllaLink cable system, which connects Portugal to Brazil across the Atlantic Ocean.

What makes EllaLink unique?

Unlike traditional cables, the EllaLink cable incorporates SMART (Science Monitoring and Reliable Telecommunications) technologies, allowing it to serve dual purposes: ensuring high-speed connectivity and providing real-time data on oceanic conditions.

The GeoLab initiative supports research in several key areas:

• Seismology: monitoring seismic activity and detecting earthquakes.
• Marine Ecology: studying marine ecosystems and biodiversity.
• Climate Science: collecting ocean temperature and current data to understand climate change better.

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Environmental and disaster mitigation benefits

The ability of subsea cables to collect data on oceanic conditions has significant implications for addressing global challenges.

Climate Monitoring

Subsea cables provide valuable data for understanding the impacts of climate change by tracking changes in ocean temperatures and currents. This information helps scientists predict weather patterns and assess the health of marine ecosystems.

Disaster Prevention

Subsea cables can detect seismic activity in real-time, offering early warnings for potential earthquakes and tsunamis. This capability is crucial for protecting coastal communities and mitigating the impact of natural disasters.

Marine Ecosystem Studies

Subsea cables also contribute to research on marine life, helping scientists monitor biodiversity and understand how human activities affect ocean ecosystems.

Expanding the role of submarine cables

The EllaLink GeoLab sets a strong precedent for future projects that merge telecommunications and scientific research. As the adoption of SMART technologies grows, so will the opportunities for innovation.

Global Collaboration

The success of initiatives like EllaLink depends on partnerships between telecom companies, research institutions, and governments. Collaborative efforts ensure that these systems benefit the telecommunications industry, the scientific community, and society.

Future Extensions

The EllaLink cable connects Europe and Latin America with Madeira and Cape Verde branches. Planned extensions to regions such as the Canary Islands and French Guiana promise to further enhance its capabilities, providing even greater opportunities for research and monitoring.

A Model for the Future

Integrating SMART cables into submarine systems could revolutionize how we study the ocean, making previously inaccessible data readily available. This approach paves the way for discoveries in geology, oceanography, and climatology.

The broader impacts of subsea telecommunications cables

The potential applications of subsea telecommunications cables extend well beyond scientific research. By enhancing connectivity and enabling groundbreaking studies, these cables contribute to global progress in multiple domains:

• Economic Growth: faster, more reliable communication drives innovation and economic development.
• Educational Opportunities: improved connectivity supports access to online education, particularly in remote regions.
• Technological Advancements: insights gained from research using subsea cables can lead to new technologies in various fields.

Subsea telecommunications cables are much more than technological marvels of communication – they are becoming critical tools for scientific discovery. The EllaLink GeoLab initiative demonstrates how these infrastructures can serve dual purposes, fostering advancements in seismology, oceanography, and environmental science.

As global challenges like climate change and natural disasters become more pressing, the role of subsea cables in addressing these issues will only grow. With continued innovation and collaboration, subsea telecommunications cables will remain at the heart of global connectivity and scientific progress.