NISAR: A Collaborative Earth-Observing Mission by NASA and ISRO

NISAR: A Collaborative Earth-Observing Mission by NASA and ISRO

Asif Iqbal | October 28, 2023 | 09:34 PM IST | Space & Research | Follow on Google News

NISAR: A Collaborative Earth-Observing Mission by NASA and ISRO.image/Google

NISAR Mission to Shed Light on Carbon Cycle and Climate Change

NASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have joined forces to launch the NISAR radar satellite mission, which will explore the impact of Earth’s forest and wetland ecosystems on the global carbon cycle and climate change. Set to launch in early 2024, NISAR will provide comprehensive insights into two critical ecosystems – forests and wetlands – that play a crucial role in regulating greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Ecosystems and the Carbon Cycle

Forests store carbon within their tree wood, while wetlands retain it in layers of organic soil. Any disruption in these systems, whether gradual or sudden, can accelerate the release of carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere. NISAR’s radar systems will monitor nearly all of Earth’s land and ice surfaces every 12 days, helping researchers understand the capture and release of carbon in these ecosystems.

Significance for Climate Change and Carbon Movement

Forestry and land-use changes are responsible for approximately 11% of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions. By tracking global changes in land cover, NISAR data will aid in studying the impact of these changes on the carbon cycle, which encompasses the processes by which carbon moves between the atmosphere, land, ocean, and living organisms.

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Penetrating Dense Canopies

NISAR’s radar signal can penetrate dense forest canopies, offering data on the density of forest cover and tracking any thinning or clearing over time. This capability is crucial for studying vast, often cloud-covered rainforests that lose millions of wooded acres annually.

Wetlands and the Methane Factor

Wetlands, which make up only 5-8% of the land surface, store 20-30% of the carbon in Earth’s soil. They play a critical role in methane production and release. NISAR will help researchers monitor wetlands’ inundation and flooding patterns, contributing to better management and understanding of their impact on greenhouse gas emissions.

Multifaceted Capabilities of NISAR

In addition to monitoring ecosystems, NISAR will track the movement of land, helping researchers understand geological phenomena such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. It will also provide insights into the movement and melting of glaciers and sea ice.

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Asif Iqbal

Asif Iqbal is a seasoned news writer with a passion for delivering the latest updates to the public. Currently serving as the senior writer at VoM News, a prominent news outlet known for its comprehensive coverage of diverse topics, Asif has established himself as a reliable source of information. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he consistently provides readers with well-crafted articles that cover a wide range of news categories. His dedication to journalistic integrity and his commitment to staying ahead of the news curve make him an invaluable asset to Vom News, ensuring that readers are always well-informed on the issues that matter most. You can find his work and stay updated on current events by visiting vomnews.in.