Earth Science and Applications from Space: National Imperatives for the Next Decade and Beyond

This report presents a vision for the Earth science program; an analysis of the existing Earth Observing System and recommendations to help restore its capabilities; an assessment of and recommendations for new observations and missions for the next decade; an examination of and recommendations for effective application of those observations; and an analysis of how best to sustain that observation and applications system.

Natural and human-induced changes in Earth's interior, land surface, biosphere, atmosphere, and oceans affect all aspects of life. Understanding these changes requires a range of observations acquired from land-, sea-, air-, and space-based platforms. To assist NASA, NOAA, and USGS in developing these tools, the NRC was asked to carry out a "decadal strategy" survey of Earth science and applications from space that would develop the key scientific questions on which to focus Earth and environmental observations in the period 2005-2015 and beyond, and present a prioritized list of space programs, missions, and supporting activities to address these questions.

Contents
Executive Summary
Part I: An Integrated Strategy for Earth Science and Applications from Space
1 Earth Science: Scientific Discovery and Societal Applications
2 The Next Decade of Earth Observations from Space
3 From Satellite Observations to Earth Information
Part II: Mission Summaries
4 Summaries of Recommended Missions
Part III: Reports from the Decadal Survey Panels
5 Earth Science Applications and Societal Benefits
6 Human Health and Security
7 Land-Use Change, Ecosystem Dynamics, and Biodiversity
8 Solid-Earth Hazards, Natural Resources, and Dynamics
9 Climate Variability and Change
10 Weather Science and Applications
11 Water Resources and the Global Hydrologic Cycle
Appendixes
A: Statement of Task
В: Biographical Information for Committee Members and Staff
С: Blending Earth Observations and Models—The Successful Paradigm of Weather Forecasting
D: Request for Information from Community
E: List of Responses to Request for Information
F: Acronyms and Abbreviations