Earth Science And Applications From Space: National Imperatives For The Next Decade And Beyond (space Exploration And Weather)

"Natural and human-induced changes in Earth's interior, land surface, biosphere, atmosphere, and oceans affect all aspects of life. Understanding these changes requires a range of observations acquired from land-, sea-, air-, and space-based platforms. To assist NASA, NOAA, and USGS in developing these tools, the NRC was asked to carry out a 'decadal strategy' survey of Earth science and applications from space that would develop the key scientific questions on which to focus Earth and environmental observations in the period 2005-2015 and beyond, and present a prioritized list of space programs, missions, and supporting activities to address these questions. This report presents a vision for the Earth science program; an analysis of the existing Earth Observing System and recommendations to help restore its capabilities; an assessment of and recommendations for new observations and missions for the next decade; an examination of and recommendations for effective application of those observations; and an analysis of how best to sustain that observation and applications system."-- From publisher 0309103878......Page 1 Preface......Page 12 Acknowledgment of Reviewers......Page 19 In Memory of Athony Hollingsworth......Page 24 Executive Summary......Page 28 Contents......Page 22 Part I: An Integrated Strategy for Earth Science and Applications from Space......Page 44 1 Earth Science: Scientific Discovery and Societal Applications......Page 46 2 The Next Decade of Earth Observations from Space......Page 54 3 From Satellite Observations to Earth Information......Page 88 Part II: Mission Summaries......Page 106 4 Summaries of Recommended Missions......Page 110 Part III: Reports from the Decadal Survey Panels......Page 168 5 Earth Science Applications and Societal Benefits......Page 170 6 Human Health and Security......Page 179 7 Land-Use Change, Ecosystem Dynamics, and Biodiversity......Page 217 8 Solid-Earth Hazards, Natural Resources, and Dynamics......Page 244 9 Climate Variability and Change......Page 284 10 Weather Science and Applications......Page 331 11 Water Resources and the Global Hydrologic Cycle......Page 365 Appendixes......Page 408 A Statement of Task......Page 410 B Biographical Information for Committee Members and Staff......Page 412 C Blending Earth Observations and Models—The Successful Paradigm of Weather Forecasting......Page 419 D Request for Information from Community......Page 437 E List of Responses to Request for Information......Page 440 F Acronyms and Abbreviations......Page 450 National Academies Press 0309103878 1 Preface 12 Acknowledgment of Reviewers 19 In Memory of Athony Hollingsworth 24 Executive Summary 28 Contents 22 Part I: An Integrated Strategy for Earth Science and Applications from Space 44 1 Earth Science: Scientific Discovery and Societal Applications 46 2 The Next Decade of Earth Observations from Space 54 3 From Satellite Observations to Earth Information 88 Part II: Mission Summaries 106 4 Summaries of Recommended Missions 110 Part III: Reports from the Decadal Survey Panels 168 5 Earth Science Applications and Societal Benefits 170 6 Human Health and Security 179 7 Land-Use Change, Ecosystem Dynamics, and Biodiversity 217 8 Solid-Earth Hazards, Natural Resources, and Dynamics 244 9 Climate Variability and Change 284 10 Weather Science and Applications 331 11 Water Resources and the Global Hydrologic Cycle 365 Appendixes 408 A Statement of Task 410 B Biographical Information for Committee Members and Staff 412 C Blending Earth Observations and Models—The Successful Paradigm of Weather Forecasting 419 D Request for Information from Community 437 E List of Responses to Request for Information 440 F Acronyms and Abbreviations 450 ISBN-13:,9780309103879 ISBN-13: 9780309103879