Watch The Following Video And Complete The Online Worksheet ✓ Solved
Watch the following video and complete the online worksheet
Watch the following video and complete the online worksheet. This will give you an overview of how our planet is interconnected. It discusses many satellites that are observing the inter-related processes on Earth. I want you to watch the video and answer the questions in this assignment.
For your convenience, I have posted under Files in the Lab Exercise folder a file (EFS_worksheet_rev.pdf) that you can print out and write your answers before you enter them into CANVAS. Earth From Space Full HD Nova is the groundbreaking two-hour special that reveals a spectacular new space-based vision of our planet. Produced in extensive consultation with NASA scientists, NOVA takes data from earth-observing satellites and transforms it into dazzling visual sequences, each one exposing the intricate and surprising web of forces that sustains life on earth.
Paper For Above Instructions
The relationship between Earth’s systems is a complex and intricate web of interactions that sustain life and foster ecological balance. This assignment focuses on understanding these interconnections through the lens of satellite data as presented in the video "Earth From Space" by NOVA. With the assistance of earth-observing satellites, we gain insights into vital processes that not only affect our planet but also provide us with essential information about the changing environment. Below, we delve into various facets of Earth's interconnected systems highlighted in the video.
Understanding Earth’s Systems
Earth is composed of a myriad of systems, each interlinked and influencing one another. The primary systems include the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere. The video illustrates how satellites monitor these systems and collect data demonstrating the delicate balance we need to maintain. For instance, atmospheric satellites help scientists understand weather patterns, climate change, and pollution levels. The hydrosphere, containing all water components, invites scrutiny through satellite monitoring of ocean currents, ice caps, and precipitation levels. Understanding these patterns is vital since they drive climate and weather and influence global temperature shifts.
The Role of Satellites in Observing Earth
The application of satellite technology has revolutionized our understanding of Earth’s interrelated processes. As exposed in the video, satellites such as NASA’s Landsat series and the MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) provide continuous, real-time data concerning land usage, vegetation cover, and biomass levels (Rouse et al., 1974). These satellites contribute substantially to our ability to respond to natural disasters, track deforestation, and observe the effects of global warming. For example, MODIS can capture and disseminate data about forest fires across continents, helping in real-time assessment and response efforts (Fried et al., 2008).
Impact on Climate Change
Climate change is perhaps the greatest challenge we face today, and satellite imagery plays a pivotal role in understanding its impact (IPCC, 2014). The video portrays changes in glacial formations and polar ice caps, demonstrating how satellite data reveals alarming rates of melting due to rising global temperatures. As Earth's surface temperature continues to rise, the implications extend far beyond the melting ice; they include sea-level rise, habitat loss, and drastic shifts in weather patterns. Satellite observations allow climatologists to model future scenarios based on current data, enhancing our preparedness and response strategies amid climate uncertainty (Hansen et al., 2006).
Human Activities and Their Consequences
The intricate relationship between human activity and Earth’s systems is another critical aspect covered in the video. As populations grow and urbanization spreads, satellites capture the resultant changes to landscapes and ecosystems.Monitoring urban heat islands, deforestation rates, and pollution hotspots are crucial for effective environmental management (Seto et al., 2012). The data offers insights into how human actions contribute to biodiversity loss, ecosystem degradation, and altered hydrological cycles.
Conclusion
Through the video "Earth From Space," viewers gain a comprehensive understanding of the interconnected nature of Earth’s systems and the significant contributions of satellite technology in monitoring and analyzing these systems. This information is not only pivotal for scientific inquiry but also for policy-making and educational initiatives aimed at fostering sustainability. Recognizing these interconnections emphasizes the responsibility humanity holds towards maintaining the planet’s health. As consumers, we are urged to adopt sustainable practices in our daily lives to mitigate adverse impacts on the environment.
References
- Fried, J. S., et al. (2008). “Satellite observations of forest fire activity.” Environmental Research Letters, 3(4).
- Hansen, J., et al. (2006). “Global temperature change.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 103(39).
- IPCC. (2014). “Climate Change 2014: Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability.” Cambridge University Press.
- Rouse, J. W., et al. (1974). “Monitoring vegetation systems in the Great Plains with ERTS.” Proceedings of the Third ERTS Symposium.
- Seto, K. C., et al. (2012). “Urban land teleconnections and sustainability.” Nature Climate Change, 2(2).
- NASA. (2020). “NASA’s Earth Observing System: Overview.” Retrieved from [NASA website].
- Modis. (2020). “MODIS Overview.” Retrieved from [MODIS website].
- U.S. Geological Survey. (2020). “The Landsat Program: Understanding Our Planet.” Retrieved from [USGS website].
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (2021). “The Role of Observation in Understanding Climate.” Retrieved from [NOAA website].
- International Space Station National Lab. (2020). “Earth Science on the International Space Station.” Retrieved from [International Space Station website].