In a groundbreaking collaboration between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Google, the ‘Passage of Water’ emerges as an innovative and interactive digital experience. This joint endeavor seeks to vividly portray the profound effects of climate change on Earth’s water cycle, using advanced satellite data. (SWOT)
1. Satellite Technology: Unveiling Earth’s Water Bodies
At the heart of this immersive experience lies the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite, representing the pioneering global initiative to monitor Earth’s surface water. With its high-resolution data, SWOT significantly contributes to monitoring and comprehending alterations in our planet’s water bodies over time.
2. Bridging Science and Art: A Captivating Narrative
Through the amalgamation of Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite data and SWOT’s novel high-resolution insights, ‘A Passage of Water’ creatively exhibits the profound implications of climate change on Earth’s water cycle.
3. Unveiling the Experience
Recently unveiled online before the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP 28) in Dubai, this digital creation will also be showcased physically at the COP 28 Blue Zone.
4. NASA’s Vital Role: Communicating Earth Science
Kate Calvin, Chief Scientist at NASA’s Washington office, highlights the agency’s role in conveying invaluable information regarding Earth’s interconnected systems. The ‘Passage of Water’ installation serves as a unique channel to illuminate the critical nexus between climate change and Earth’s water cycle.
5. Empowering Decision-Making: Accessibility to Data
Over six decades, NASA has diligently gathered data on Earth’s land, water, air, and climate. This data is pivotal, aiding decision-makers in comprehending, mitigating, and addressing the ramifications of climate change. Accessible to scientists and the public, NASA’s Earth science data stands as a cornerstone for informed decision-making.
6. Revolutionary Insights of SWOT
The collaboration between NASA and the French Space Agency (CNES) has birthed SWOT, offering unprecedented detailed insights into Earth’s freshwater bodies. This mission contributes significantly to understanding the impact of a changing climate on lakes, rivers, and reservoirs.
7. A Glimpse into the Future on SWOT
Ben Hamlington, a research scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, underscores the transformative potential of SWOT’s data in unraveling the complexities of Earth’s water bodies. The profound impacts and forthcoming discoveries from this satellite’s data remain highly anticipated.
8. The Role of GRACE and GRACE Follow-On Missions
Incorporating data from the GRACE and GRACE Follow-On missions, the project delves deeper into monitoring Earth’s mass distribution variations caused by phenomena like water movements. These missions offer comprehensive insights into changes in Earth’s water cycle and energy balance.
9. A Collaborative Endeavor for Education and Awareness
The collaboration between NASA and Google, facilitated under the Space Act Agreement, aims to disseminate this invaluable content freely across Google’s platforms. This collective effort stands as one among a series of projects to engage audiences in innovative and immersive ways.
10. Supporting Innovation and Knowledge Sharing
This collaborative initiative stands as a testament to the power of shared knowledge, innovation, and technology in portraying the profound impacts of climate change on Earth’s water cycle. The ‘Passage of Water’ invites us to explore, learn, and collectively address the challenges posed by a changing climate.
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