NASA's Ice, Cloud and land Elevation Satellite -- known as ICESat -- is doing just that, and more. From its perspective in space, ICESat measures Earth's dynamic features with unprecedented accuracy. These measurements are providing scientists with a new way of understanding our changing planet. ICESat's 'laser radar' profiles the height distribution of clouds. These measurements have determined that Earth has a 70 percent cloud cover. This accurate information helps scientists make computer weather forecast models more accurate. Instruments onboard ICESat measure elevation, enabling scientists to monitor changes in the ice cover at the poles and glaciers around the world. These same measuring devices can also help monitor forests and measure mountains, valleys, rivers and lakes -- all from a 3-D perspective previously impossible. Arming scientists with this information can help manage the Earth's resources and improve the quality of life on our planet.
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NASA ID
ksc_010605_icesat
Date Created
January 10, 2005
Center
KSC
Media Type
video
Photographer
NASA or National Aeronautics and Space Administration
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