An Introduction to Satellite-Based Applications and Research for Understanding Climate Change - Satellite-based Applications on Climate Change - page 11

1.6.3 Part III Hydrological and Cryospheric Applications
The movement of water and variations in the ice caps are critical to understanding how
our planet is changing. Given the dramatic decline in the Northern Hemisphere ice
extent over the last decade, it is important to understand changes in the Arctic. With
global warming as a contributor to the declining ice extent, it may also impact the
intensity of hurricanes and the amount of tropical rainfall. Changes in the sea surface
temperatures influence the development of hurricanes and evaporation and precipita-
tion patterns around the globe. These important topics are covered in this section
recognizing their potential for significant impacts globally and on coastal communities.
1.6.4 Part IV Land Surface and Ecological Applications
With changes in global temperature and precipitation as key drivers, their impacts
are investigated using satellite data to develop products and analyses for monitoring
climate trends. The impacts of temperature and precipitation on vegetation growth,
health, and trends will be paramount. As temperatures increase, a global migration
of plants, animals, and sea creatures is expected. A relatively recent ecological
related development is the pioneering work to detect sentinel species migration and
change from satellites.
This suite of chapters discusses key topics and findings that those interested in
satellite remote sensing will find appealing. The chapters touch on the most
pressing problem areas for helping to make effective decisions about sustaining
our environment and mitigating the consequences of climate change.
Acknowledgements This work was supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Admin-
istration (NOAA); National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS);
and the Center for Satellite Applications and Research (STAR).
The views, opinions, and findings contained in this publication are those of the authors and should
not be considered as an official NOAA or US government position, policy, or decision.
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