The National Academies Press

Currently Skimming:

Issues, Challenges, and Recommendations
Pages 117-124

The Chapter Skim interface presents what we've algorithmically identified as the most significant single chunk of text within every page in the chapter.
Select key terms on the right to highlight them within pages of the chapter.

From page 117... ... An observing system may very well reveal unexpected phenomena such as the large-scale, low-frequency E1 Nino/Southern Oscillation, as discussed in Chapter 3 on sea surface temperature, and scientific opportunities are lost if the observing strategy cannot adapt accordingly. � Desirability of multiple measurements of the same variable using different techniques. Read the entire page →
From page 118... ... The committee concurs with the several recent NRC reports that have expressed concern over the lack of overall authority and accountability, the division of responsibility, and the lack of progress in achieving a longterm climate observing system (see, for example, NRC 1998a,b and l999a,b; see also footnote 3 in Chapter 1~. The challenges in integration of NASA/ESE research satellite missions and IPO/NPOESS operational satellite missions highlight the critical issues. Read the entire page →
From page 119... ... The EDR process established by IPO/NPOESS supports the primary operational needs of DOD and NOAA but was not intended to yield instrument specifications that meet climate research requirements (see Chapters 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8. For example, many climate research studies require access to unprocessed sensor-level data, whereas the EDR approach focuses on the final data products. Read the entire page →
From page 120... ... Operational agencies such as NOAA and DOD are wary of committing to long-term observation requirements that may impose significant new costs on an already-cost-constrained system. The Earth science community, while recognizing the need for long-term observations for some climate processes, is wary of relinquishing responsibility for and oversight of instrumentation to an operational agency that may find an "instrument facility" approach necessary to manage multiple demands and the long-term stability and performance of the sensor system. Read the entire page →
From page 121... ... These include an initial commitment to data stability on the part of the NPOESS IPO, an active program of data analysis and data product validation by NASA's Earth Science Enterprise, and an active plan for NASA and NOAA collaborative missions such as the NPOESS Preparatory Project. The committee is concerned, however, that budget pressures, shifting programmatic interests, and lack of overall vision and leadership may continue to inhibit the establishment of a coherent Earth observing system for climate research and monitoring. Read the entire page →
From page 122... ... These science teams would function much like a NASA science team, developing and documenting algorithms, validating data products, and so on, but would focus on climate research. � The IPO should begin to establish plans for sensor calibration and data product validation as well as for data processing and delivery that consider the needs for climate research. Read the entire page →
From page 123... ... Through its funding of climate research and its investments in technology, NASA can significantly enhance the climate research and monitoring capabilities of NPOESS and other operational missions. Activities could include the flight of complementary sensors and support for sensor characterization, as well as sensor calibration and data product validation, research and analysis, data reprocessing, and development of new technology. Read the entire page →
From page 124... ... � Some space should be reserved on the NPOESS platforms for research sensors and technology demonstrations as well as to provide adequate data downlink and ground segment capability. Current NPOESS plans include limited spare satellite resources (space, weight, power, etc.) Read the entire page →

From page 117...

... An observing system may very well reveal unexpected phenomena such as the large-scale, low-frequency E1 Nino/Southern Oscillation, as discussed in Chapter 3 on sea surface temperature, and scientific opportunities are lost if the observing strategy cannot adapt accordingly. � Desirability of multiple measurements of the same variable using different techniques.

Read the entire page →

From page 118...

... The committee concurs with the several recent NRC reports that have expressed concern over the lack of overall authority and accountability, the division of responsibility, and the lack of progress in achieving a longterm climate observing system (see, for example, NRC 1998a,b and l999a,b; see also footnote 3 in Chapter 1~. The challenges in integration of NASA/ESE research satellite missions and IPO/NPOESS operational satellite missions highlight the critical issues.

Read the entire page →

From page 119...

... The EDR process established by IPO/NPOESS supports the primary operational needs of DOD and NOAA but was not intended to yield instrument specifications that meet climate research requirements (see Chapters 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8. For example, many climate research studies require access to unprocessed sensor-level data, whereas the EDR approach focuses on the final data products.

Read the entire page →

From page 120...

... Operational agencies such as NOAA and DOD are wary of committing to long-term observation requirements that may impose significant new costs on an already-cost-constrained system. The Earth science community, while recognizing the need for long-term observations for some climate processes, is wary of relinquishing responsibility for and oversight of instrumentation to an operational agency that may find an "instrument facility" approach necessary to manage multiple demands and the long-term stability and performance of the sensor system.

Read the entire page →

From page 121...

... These include an initial commitment to data stability on the part of the NPOESS IPO, an active program of data analysis and data product validation by NASA's Earth Science Enterprise, and an active plan for NASA and NOAA collaborative missions such as the NPOESS Preparatory Project. The committee is concerned, however, that budget pressures, shifting programmatic interests, and lack of overall vision and leadership may continue to inhibit the establishment of a coherent Earth observing system for climate research and monitoring.

Read the entire page →

From page 122...

... These science teams would function much like a NASA science team, developing and documenting algorithms, validating data products, and so on, but would focus on climate research. � The IPO should begin to establish plans for sensor calibration and data product validation as well as for data processing and delivery that consider the needs for climate research.

Read the entire page →

From page 123...

... Through its funding of climate research and its investments in technology, NASA can significantly enhance the climate research and monitoring capabilities of NPOESS and other operational missions. Activities could include the flight of complementary sensors and support for sensor characterization, as well as sensor calibration and data product validation, research and analysis, data reprocessing, and development of new technology.

Read the entire page →

From page 124...

... � Some space should be reserved on the NPOESS platforms for research sensors and technology demonstrations as well as to provide adequate data downlink and ground segment capability. Current NPOESS plans include limited spare satellite resources (space, weight, power, etc.)

Read the entire page →

← Previous Chapter Skim

Next Chapter Skim →

This material may be derived from roughly machine-read images, and so is provided only to facilitate research.
More information on Chapter Skim is available.

Issues, Challenges, and Recommendations Pages 117-124

Issues, Challenges, and Recommendations
Pages 117-124