Every year on June 21, the world recognizes World Hydrography Day 2024 as a day to honor the contributions made by hydrologists. We have greatly benefited from the work of hydrographers in identifying the undersea topography and contemporary maritime borders.
Their work has not gone unnoticed; in 1970, the United Nations formally resolved to create an International Hydrographic Organization for geologists and scientists worldwide.
Following this, a whole day was created in 2005 to honor and recognize the contributions made by hydrographers. So go ahead and make use of this dedicated day to honor the hydrographers’ labors and contributions to the field of Earth’s geography research.
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What is World Hydrography Day?
World Hydrography Day is June 21st. Its purpose is to increase public awareness of hydrography and its contribution to our understanding of the seas and oceans.
The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) established World Hydrography Day, which was observed for the first time in 2006. This date commemorates the IHO’s 1921 founding anniversary.
“Hydrographic Information – Enhancing Safety, Efficiency, and Sustainability in Marine Activities” is the theme for this year.
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History of World Hydrography Day
Hydrography can be summarized in a few words but to get a basic understanding of the term, for you, it is the study of ocean depths. If you decide to proceed to the next level, you must know that there is an unknown land beneath the seas, and we can barely imagine its surface. Thus, hydrographers apply various methods to acquire data from underwater surfaces for scientific purposes. All of this is called a hydrograph.
Hydrography is one of the subdivisions of geography that specifically deals with the physical features of water bodies. The first team of hydrographers was under the Royal British Navy which charged with the task of surveying the depth of seas and the shores. Even before all this, sea transport always conducted several miles away from which coasts were visible.
It was only in 1187 when the magnetic compass came into existence that sea travel in the open sea from one port to another was possible. However, it also had some issues, they used compasses that could fail under strong water currents, and the position for navigation was hard to find because of the absence of longitudinal and latitudinal lines.
As the hydrographers embarked on such studies, and with naval offices set for this task, information collected, and better charts prepared. This not only made navigation easy and reliable but also assisted researchers and hydrographers in developing better ways for ocean surveys.
New developments helped create new inventions such as the SONAR or the device that the ships and submarines use to identify the existence of underwater land masses.
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How to Observe World Hydrography Day
1. Go to a lecture: Since the purpose of the day is to appreciate the works of hydrographers, you might choose to do so by going to a lecture that the hydrographer has arranged. Do not forget to take a ton of notes.
2. See a documentary: Television programs that explore the extraordinary elements of our planet are frequently released by National Geographic and Discovery. You would astounded by what these documentaries uncover.
3. Take a journey: If you are not afraid of the sea, you could like to visit a hydrographic station and join the crew on an expedition. Study the underwater topography of the surface beneath the ocean with hydrographers.
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Why is World Hydrography Day 2024 Important?
1. Hydrography is a significant field of study:
It is crucial to comprehend the ocean’s undersea surface. It aids in the prediction of underwater currents and marine patterns by geologists. Furthermore, it aids in ascertaining the temperatures and mineral composition beneath the surface.
2. Aids with navigating:
We have developed sonar and other ship and submarine navigation systems thanks to hydrography. Who knows, maybe future advancements can help establish human undersea colonies.
3. A hydrographer could find Atlantis:
Nothing known about Atlantis. Since it only this year that we learned that New Zealand a portion of an eighth continent that submerged in the Pacific Ocean, perhaps. With more development, we will able to find the remnants of this advanced territory.
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Way Forward
On June 21st, 2024, World Hydrography Day 2024 honors the crucial contributions made by hydrologists. Their charting of marine boundaries and undersea topography is essential for scientific research, safety, and navigation. This day honors the creation of the International Hydrographic Organization in 1921. As well as its establishment by the organization in 2006.
The importance of hydrography in fostering safe and sustainable marine operations highlighted by the 2024 subject, “Hydrographic Information – Enhancing Safety, Efficiency, and Sustainability in Marine Activities.” By commemorating this day with talks, films, and excursions. We may recognize the important contribution that hydrography has made to our comprehension and utilization of the world’s waters.