New satellite observations show connection between solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence and soil moisture—a key mechanism behind drought onset.
remote sensing
Antarctic Ice May Harbor Huge Network of Canyons
Scientists saw hints in satellite data of dramatic geologic features under thousands of meters of ice in a little-probed part of East Antarctica. Now they are using airborne radar to explore further.
Abundance of Satellite Data Presents Opportunity, Challenge
Globalizing Societal Application of Scientific Research and Observations from Remote Sensing: The Path Forward; Tacoma, Washington, 23–25 June 2015
New Technology and Teamwork to Tackle Ocean Color Radiometry
International Ocean Colour Science Meeting; San Francisco, California, 15–18 June 2015
Three–Dimensional Scans Illuminate Wildlife Environments
Detailed laser imaging of vegetation and landforms where animals live and roam offers revealing new perspectives on interactions between those creatures and their surroundings.
Assessing U.S. Fire Risks Using Soil Moisture Satellite Data
NASA satellite data and models provide information for mapping fire risks nationwide, giving agencies tools for fire response, say scientists at the AGU Fall Meeting.
Gore Calls Paris a Good Start on Climate, but More Action Needed
The former U.S. vice president said the Paris agreement offers hope for stabilizing the climate. He also discussed Earth observation instruments used to monitor and understand the planet.
Toward a Global Water Quality Observing and Forecasting System
Group on Earth Observations Water Quality Summit; Geneva, Switzerland, 20–22 April 2015
Cloud Overlap Observations Put Simulations to the Test
Fine-scale simulations of cumulus cloud layers could help improve weather and climate models.
Aerosols May Play a Big Part in Atmospheric Absorption
A new study shows that aerosols have a strong impact on the reflectivity of the Earth's atmosphere, absorbing more solar radiation within the atmospheric layers than previously thought.