GOES-R: Global Weather Watchers - OLD - GOESR
GOES-R: GLOBAL WEATHER WATCHERS
An Earth SySTEM Project
John D. Moore
2015 GLOBE Distinguished Educator Fellow
The United States and the world are warming, global sea level is rising, and some types of extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and more severe. These changes have already resulted in a wide range of impacts across every region of the country and many sectors of the economy. Today, [we] need reliable scientific information about current and future changes, impacts, and effective response options.
Introduction
The Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites – R Series (GOES-R) is the next generation of geostationary Earth-observing systems scheduled for launch in 2016. The GOES-R program is a collaborative development and acquisition effort between National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The advanced spacecraft and instrument technology employed by the GOES-R series will provide significant improvements in the detection and observations of environmental phenomena that directly affect public safety, protection of property and our nation's economic health and prosperity.
- Dr. Kathryn Sullivan, NOAA Chief Scientist and Deputy Administrator
The GOES-R Mission
The Geosciences have a critical role in the public awareness, safety, and national security of our nation. Over the past several years we have experienced volcanic eruptions, earth-quakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, severe drought and flooding, outbreaks of severe weather. These represent examples of the urgent need and use of Geospatial and Environmental Intelligence.
This project will utilize the SPACE to EARTH: EARTH to SPACE (SEES) model. Students using standard GLOBE Atmospheric Protocols, complete ground verification/truth data in comparison to satellite imagery. In addition students will begin to investigate and document hazardous and severe weather in their region. Utilizing the GLOBE Visualization tool, real or near real time satellite imagery can create a new data layer. Intensive Observing Periods (IOPs) will be developed to conduct investigations through meteorological "seasons", i.e. summer drought and/or flash flooding, hurricane, winter storms, tornado, extreme weather events etc. Using satellite imagery and data is the first step in developing a Geoscience and Remote Sensing Laboratory where students can study and investigate earth from space opening up global opportunities.