Pedosphere (Soil)

 

The varying components found within soil can drastically alter its ability to retain water, house nutrients and support life. Collecting data on a region's soil temperature, moisture and chemical properties is critical to researchers across the scientific spectrum. From climatologists to anthropologists, studying the ground beneath our feet is an invaluable way to discover our changing world and our history.

 

We can even study the pedosphere from space! Scientists on NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive satellite mission track the ground's water content through orbiting satellites, and it can produce global soil moisture maps every three days. However, these researchers also need ground-level measurements in which to compare their satellite data. This is where GLOBE students and scientists can help out. By collecting and measuring their local soil as the Soil Moisture Active Passive spacecraft orbits overhead, GLOBE members can provide the best comparable data for NASA scientists to validate the satellite's data. To make sure this data is comparable from site to site, GLOBE students and scientists use GLOBE-approved instruments and follow rigorous protocols. 

 

Learn more about ways to contribute to the SMAP mission.