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Satellite Observations to Benefit Science and Society Recommended Missions for the Next Decade (2008) / Chapter Skim
Currently Skimming:

From Satellite Observations to Earth Information
Pages 27-32

The Chapter Skim interface presents what we've algorithmically identified as the most significant single chunk of text within every page in the chapter.
Select key terms on the right to highlight them within pages of the chapter.


From page 27...
... Sometimes data from exploratory observations are shown to have a large positive impact on weather forecasts and become critical to operational systems. • Sustained observations of certain key variables, such as sea surface temperature and sea level, atmospheric temperature, and solar radiation, are needed to clarify the long-term implications of a change in the Earth system or to uncover slowly evolving dynamics.
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From page 28...
... One reason for the complexity in coordinating space-based Earth remote sensing is that observations frequently serve multiple goals at the same time. Indeed, exploratory missions often produce innovative observations that can be employed in an operational setting and also contrib ute to a long-term program of sustained observation.
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From page 29...
... The limits on aircraft use are growing, while support for staging field campaigns and developing instruments has decreased and the level of technical infrastructure for airborne missions has declined. The transition of airborne programs at NASA and NOAA from conventional aircraft to unpiloted aerial vehicles (UAVs)
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From page 30...
... To provide a more direct route from space-based observation to societal benefits requires that social scientists be more involved throughout the entire life cycle of a given mission. Closer ties between physical and social scientists can also help make the resulting mission data more readily available to a broader range of users through improved access, education, and training.
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From page 31...
... , rather than dropping entire themes; if budget shortfalls are large, seek community input and reevaluate the observing program as a whole rather than in a piece meal fashion. Ensuring balance is an important high-level principle essential to maintaining the integrity of the overall plan for Earth sensing from space as priorities change and programs are adjusted.
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From page 32...
... : detects and characterizes objects by transmitting pulses R of radiation, typically in the microwave range, and analyzing the portion of the signal that is reflected and returned to the sensor Lidar (light detection and ranging) : similar to radar, but using laser light instead of radio signals  Scatterometer: specialized radar used mostly to determine wind speed and direction near the ocean surface, but can also be used over land to study ice and vegetation Altimeter: specialized radar or lidar that measures the height of the land or sea surface Passive (receives signals from the Sun, the Earth system, or other satellites)
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Key Terms

  • sustained observations
  • earth information
  • earth orbit
  • earth sensing
  • earth observation

  • ensuring sustained
  • sea surface
  • climate records
  • survey report
  • social scientists

  • future scientists
  • observing stations
  • sea level
  • exploratory observations
  • atmospheric properties

  • weather observations
  • decadal survey
  • specialized radar
  • satellite observations
  • field campaigns

  • weather observing
  • geosynchronous earth
  • climate data
  • satellite data
  • medium earth

  • observing earth
  • earth remote
  • situ weather
  • mission data
  • global earth


    • This material may be derived from roughly machine-read images, and so is provided only to facilitate research.
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