Earth Science and Applications from Space National Imperatives for the Next Decade and Beyond (2007) / Chapter Skim
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3 From Satellite Observations to Earth Information
3 From Satellite Observations to Earth Information
Pages 61-78
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From page 61... ...
In this chapter, the committee highlights key additional elements of the overall program in Earth science and applications that must be supported to achieve an effective Earth information system, including sustained observations from space for research and monitoring; surface-based (land and ocean) and airborne observations to complement and augment space-based observations; research, data assimilation and analysis, and modeling to enable effective use of the observations in analyses and forecasts; and planning, education and training, and other activities to strengthen and sustain the Earth knowledge and information system.
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From page 62... ...
The need for such measurements to become part of an operational system and to be sustained for many years is a recognized and well-studied challenge, but the record of moving new technology into operational systems is, at best, mixed.1 Another aspect of the connectivity between sustained research observations and operational systems is that the observations and products from those systems, such as the observations used in weather forecasts, are also useful for many research purposes. Likewise, sustained observations, although focused on research questions, clearly include an aspect of monitoring and may be used operationally.
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From page 63... ...
Weather forecasts demand frequent observations and rapid data dissemination, but climate studies and research demand accurate and consistent long-term records. The added requirements of instrument stability and accuracy, driven by the more stringent climate requirements, placed additional challenges on the instruments.
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From page 64... ...
Trends in all the measurements are needed to calibrate climate models that predict changes in sea level and in other climate variables. This example illustrates the importance of avoiding gaps in the data record, of coordinating satellites with other measurement programs, and of supporting science and engineering teams in maintaining and interpreting the observations.
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From page 65... ...
Estimates of global sea level from the TOPEX/Poseidon (red) and Jason (green)
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From page 66... ...
The committee is concerned that the nation's institutions involved in civil Earth science and applications from space (including NASA, NOAA, and USGS) are not adequately prepared to meet society's rapidly evolving Earth information needs.
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From page 67... ...
An effective Earth information system therefore requires several additional types of observations to complement the observations from space. Surface-based and Suborbital Airborne Observations Before satellites were available, the global observing system that supported weather prediction and research5 consisted primarily of land-based observing systems, reports from ships on ocean conditions, balloon-borne systems (such as radiosondes)
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From page 68... ...
Restoring the nation's airborne research program is a prerequisite for linking the Earth sciences to emerging societal objectives and for the restoration of U.S. leadership in higher education internationally.
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From page 69... ...
throughout the entire mission life cycle to make certain that societal needs are appropriately considered during the design process and to ensure that societal benefits are derived from the implemented observations. Recommendation: Socioeconomic factors should be considered in the planning and implementation of Earth observation missions and in developing an Earth knowledge and information system.
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From page 70... ...
In reviewing the progress of commercial data providers in obtaining Earth observations and their potential applicability to the decadal plan, the committee sought input on providers of data from both space-based and airborne sources. The detailed and thoughtful responses of two groups7 indicated a clear expectation for rapidly evolving capabilities over the next decade, including imagery with increasingly fine spatial resolution and substantial improvements in geolocation accuracy.
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From page 71... ...
focused on the end-to-end use of environmental satellite data by characterizing the links from the sources of raw data to the end requirements of various user groups. Recommendation: As new Earth observation missions are developed, early attention should be given to developing the requisite data processing and distribution system, and data archive.
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From page 72... ...
Over the decades of the 1980s and 1990s and continuing today, the increasing number and types of global satellite observations, the improving methods of assimilating the many diverse data, and improved models have been responsible for a remarkable increase in model forecast accuracy, which in turn has led to steadily improving weather forecasts. Figure 3.3.1 shows the monthly moving average of the correlations between forecast and observed anomalies of the 500-hPa-height fields (essentially the pressure fields at about 5.5 km, or 18,000 ft, in the atmosphere)
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From page 73... ...
lation, including higher model resolution made possible by increasing computer power, have been the main reasons for improvement in global weather predictions since 1980. Computational modeling and model-based analyses will play a central role in the quest for increasingly detailed data and information to improve knowledge of the Earth system and the ability to make practical predictions.
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From page 74... ...
This section highlights the need for continual planning of the satellite observing program in the presence of funding and technology uncertainties, for moving selected measurements from research to operations and applications, and for training the next generation of Earth information specialists. planning for uncertainty: reviewing and revising plans The missions recommended in Chapter 2, together with other national and international missions, can provide the space-based observational foundation for the coming decade of Earth information needs.
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From page 75... ...
Limit thematic scope, and confine instrument capabilities to those well demonstrated by previous research instruments. discoveries and pay huge and unforeseen dividends.10 Thus, although priorities must be set, it is vital to ensure the health of all the disciplines of Earth science.
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From page 76... ...
As the new program of Earth observations, analysis, and applications goes forward, NASA, NOAA, USGS, and their partners should maintain a set of balances that cut across various dimensions of the Earth sciences. The balances are essential for developing, implementing, and adjusting a healthy Earth sciences and applications program.
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From page 77... ...
Education and training for smaller, more specialized communities can be 14GEOSS grew out of the U.S.-led 2003 Earth Summit, whose objectives were to promote the development of a comprehensive, coordinated, and sustained Earth observation system or systems among governments and the international community to understand and address global environmental and economic challenges and to begin a process to develop a conceptual framework and implementation plan for building this comprehensive, coordinated, and sustained Earth observation system or systems. See "Earth Observation Summit" at http://www.earthobservationsummit.gov/index.html.
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From page 78... ...
2004b. Utilization of Operational Environmental Satellite Data: Ensuring Readiness for 2010 and Beyond.
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