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Key Earth System Science Objectives Related to Land Surface Phenomena
Citation:
Iiames, J. AND D. Pilant. Key Earth System Science Objectives Related to Land Surface Phenomena. National Academies Press, Washington, DC, 2018. https://doi.org/10.17226/24938
Impact/Purpose:
White paper for the 2017-2027 NRC Decadal Survey in Earth Science and Applications from Space. We live on a dynamic Earth shaped by both natural processes and the impacts of humans on their environment. It is in our collective interest to observe and understand our planet, and to predict future behavior to the extent possible, in order to effectively manage resources, successfully respond to threats from natural and human-induced environmental change, and capitalize on the opportunities – social, economic, security, and more – that such knowledge can bring. By continuously monitoring and exploring Earth, developing a deep understanding of its evolving behavior, and characterizing the processes that shape and reshape the environment in which we live, we not only advance knowledge and basic discovery about our planet, but we further develop the foundation upon which benefits to society are built. Thriving on Our Changing Planet presents prioritized science, applications, and observations, along with related strategic and programmatic guidance, to support the U.S. civil space Earth observation program over the coming decade.
Description:
This paper addresses United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) operational and research challenges for the next decade in the utilization of space-based observations for the assessment of terrestrial properties affecting land, water, and air resources, and human health. Effectively assessing and mitigating exposures requires techniques for rapid measurement of a stressor on diverse geographic, temporal, and biologic scales and an enhanced infrastructure for rapid deployment of resources to address imminent threats. In concert with EPA’s mission to protect human health and the environment, satellite remote sensing offers a tool to identify and quantify relevant exposures that may pose a threat to ecosystems and/or human health. National efforts to reduce environmental risk require the best available scientific information, optimally linking in situ measurements with space-based remotely sensed data to investigate exposures at various spatial and temporal scales.
URLs/Downloads:
DOI: Key Earth System Science Objectives Related to Land Surface Phenomena
http://sites.nationalacademies.org/DEPS/esas2017/DEPS_170397