Telecom Cables Wanted For Climate Research 48
schliz writes "Oceanographers have called for telecommunications companies to use their active and retired submarine fibre to collect climate data. Sydney University's John You says voltmeters could simply be attached to cable landing stations to measure ocean currents via the electromagnetic current that they generate. More information about salinity and seismology could be collected by attaching sensors to repeater boxes that are typically installed every 100km of cable to amplify signals. Because fibre optic cables could remain under the sea for decades, they could be a consistent, continual source of data for researchers."
Current generated in fibre????? (Score:0, Insightful)
"Voltmeters would cost up to $3,000 to set up, he said, and because fibre optic cables could remain under the sea for decades, they could be a consistent, continual source of data for researchers."
Somebody's unclear on the concept, and I don't think it's me.
Re:Bad idea (Score:4, Insightful)
Re:Bad idea (Score:3, Insightful)
Re:Bad idea (Score:0, Insightful)
It's a hell of a lot better than not knowing.
Do you have any idea how much Australia earns from coal exports? Why should the Australian taxpayer fund research aimed at providing data to undermine that industry and ruin our economy?
Someone has to place some limits on scientists, otherwise they'll just go around playing God.