The National Aeronautics and Space Administration has developed a game that allows ordinary people to help with coral reef mapping. The game, called NeMO-Net, was established in efforts of battling global warming.
Over the years, NASA has collected numerous data using tools to identify, protect, and classify coral reefs. The space organization has planned the mapping of reefs so that vast amounts of data can be easily and quickly processed.
With the help of drones and aircraft-connected sensors, NASA was able to develop a system to display coral ecosystems around the world. As part of this project, the instruments collected extensive information from the oceans. However, to be used in researches, it must first be classified and defined.
Many projects have sprouted to save endangered coral reefs. However, because of a massive coral ecosystem, mapping and classifying all corals in the world proves to be a daunting task. This is where NASA thought of involving the public in this exciting project.
NEMO-Net
NASA created a game called NeMO-Net. Not only is it educational and fun, but it serves a bigger purpose of helping map the coral reefs. With this game, players help identify and classify coral reefs based on the data collected by drones.
According to Ved Chiriayath, a researcher of the project, even a primary school student can play the game and extract this data to help map one of the most beautiful life forms on Earth.
The game starts on a virtual boat and allows you to dive deep into the ocean and define coral ecosystems. The game also educates you by providing various information about life in the ocean and coral ecosystems. The game can also be played on devices with virtual reality support.
Data obtained from the game is then sent to NASA's supercomputer, Pleiades. The computer then examines the data to assess the health status of coral reefs around the world. With the help of players, NASA will be able to draw out this vast amount of data in a short period.
Interested players can access the NeMo-Net website here. The game is available on iOs and Mac.
Global Warming & Coral Reefs
Coral reefs located under the oceans are home to numerous fascinating underwater sea creatures. However, with climate change and global warming over the years, these coral reefs have started to degenerate. Corals are dying, and the system is dynamically changing as temperatures keep rising and greenhouse gases keep accumulating in the atmosphere.
Just recently, Queensland's Great Barrier Reef went through its third bleaching event in the last five years. Warm ocean temperature is the leading cause of coral bleaching. When this happens, corals turn white as a stress response to water that is too warm. This occurs because they are expelling the algae that grow inside of them, which is their primary energy source and gives them their color.
According to experts, bleaching doesn't kill the coral immediately. However, if temperatures remain high for extended periods, eventually the coral will die. This will result in further damage to the natural habitat for many species of marine life.
