Measurements from space support wildfire risk prediction
Researchers demonstrate that data from the International Space Station’s ECOsystem Spaceborne Thermal Radiometer Experiment on Space Station (ECOSTRESS) instrument plays a key role in the ability of machine learning algorithms to predict wildfire susceptibility I did. The results may help support the development of effective strategies for wildfire prediction, prevention, monitoring, and management.
As the frequency and severity of wildfires increases around the world, experts need reliable fire susceptibility models to protect public safety and support natural resource planning and risk management. ECOSTRESS measures global evapotranspiration, water use efficiency, and other plant and water dynamics. Researchers report that water use efficiency data consistently emerges as a key factor in predicting wildfires, with evaporative stress and topographic slope data also important.
Combine instruments to get better emissions data
Scientists have discovered that by averaging data from external instruments on the International Space Station’s OCO-3 and EMIT, they can accurately measure the rate of carbon dioxide emissions from the power plant. This work could improve monitoring of emissions and help communities respond to climate change.
Carbon dioxide emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels account for nearly one-third of anthropogenic emissions and are the main cause of climate change. But in many places, scientists don’t know exactly how much carbon these sources emit. Orbiting Carbon Observatory-3, or OCO-3, can quantify emissions over a wide range of areas, and Earth Surface Mineral Dust Source Survey data can help determine emissions from individual facilities. The researchers suggest that future studies continue to investigate the effect of wind conditions on measurements.
Thunderstorm phenomenon observed from space
Observations by the International Space Station’s Atmospheric Space Interaction Monitor (ASIM) instrument during a tropical cyclone in 2019 provided insight into the formation and nature of blue corona discharges commonly observed at the top of thunderclouds. A better understanding of such processes in Earth’s upper atmosphere could improve atmospheric models and weather and climate predictions.
Scientists do not fully understand the conditions that lead to the formation of blue corona discharges, that is, bursts of electrical streamers, which are the precursors of lightning. Observations from the ground are affected by scattering and absorption by clouds. ASIM, an ESA (European Space Agency) facility, offers a unique opportunity to observe these high atmospheric phenomena from space.
