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The NASA Biospheric Sciences Branch studies terrestrial ecosystems and
their interactions with the atmosphere using multiscale remote
sensing, modeling, and advanced analytical techniques. Specifically,
the Branch
1. utilizes ground, aircraft, and satellite remote sensing instruments
to measure variables that describe the temporal and spatial dynamics
of natural ecosystems as well as human impacts on these systems,
especially the vegetation condition (e.g., land cover, height,
biomass, photosynthetic capacity), soils (e.g., soil condition and
type), and links to atmospheric constituents (e.g., aerosols, CO2);
2. develops mathematical models which predict land surface conditions
and processes related to rates of vegetation, soil, and atmosphere
exchanges (e.g., radiation, heat, water, greenhouse gases, net primary
productivity) as functions of remotely sensed and ground-based
observations;
3. acquires, produces, and distributes comprehensive, integrated land
data sets incorporating ground, airborne, and/or satellite
observations to facilitate model development and validation;
4. ensures the scientific integrity of new Earth remote sensing
systems to improve space-based Earth observation; and
5. performs research which leads to the definition and development of
new technologies, sensors, and missions.
Website: "http://ltpwww.gsfc.nasa.gov/bsb/Home.html"
[Summary provided by NASA.]
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