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Earth Science Data Records Programs

There are several programs whose overall goal is to improve and extend Earth science data records using data from NASA satellites. These programs support Earth science researchers by providing measurements that benefit from data coming from multiple missions spanning longer time periods.

The programs that support these goals are:

 

Overview of Earth System Data Records Uncertainty Analysis

The Earth Science Division (ESD) uses NASA’s unique capabilities in space to study the fundamental Earth processes that power climate, weather, and natural hazards, and the impact of those processes on the quality of life. In pursuit of its objectives in Earth system science research, NASA is generating Earth system data of unprecedented quality and quantity and developing data processing and modeling capabilities to transform these data into products, information, and, ultimately, new knowledge of our planet. NASA Earth science data, data products and data processing algorithms are stored in archives at centers across the United States and linked by the Internet for data access and distribution.

A major need stated in the NASA Earth science research strategy is to develop long-term, consistent, and calibrated data and products that are valid across multiple missions and satellite sensors.

NASA has invested in the creation of consistent time series satellite data sets over decades, through both mission science team-based and measurement-based data product reprocessing and through solicitations for merged data products (most recently ROSES 2006 Making Earth Science data records for Use in Research for Earth Science, or MEaSUREs, Program). The Earth Science Division has focused on data sets creation for particular Earth science research measurement needs, and has defined a term for data sets to be used these needs: Earth System Data Records (ESDRs), including Climate Data Records (CDRs). An ESDR is defined as a unified and coherent set of observations of a given parameter of the Earth system, which is optimized to meet specific requirements in addressing science questions. These data records are critical to understanding Earth System processes, are critical to assessing variability, long-term trends and change in the Earth System, and provide input and validation means to modeling efforts.

The Earth System Data Records Uncertainty Analysis program seeks to extend and enhance the use of Earth System Data Records, including Climate Data Records, through rigorous estimation of error in Earth System Data Records used by NASA communities. Earth System Data Records Uncertainty Analysis projects increase the science value of Earth System science measurements by identifying and validating systematic errors, and improving error estimations. The Earth System Data Records Uncertainty Analysis program contributes to supporting agency research and applied science goals and objectives.

Current Solicitations

There are currently no Earth System Data Records Uncertainty Analysis solicitations.

Past Solicitations

2010 Earth System Data Records Uncertainty Analysis ROSES Solicitation PDF (46 KB) Awarded Projects PDF (86 KB)

Overview of MEaSUREs

NASA, through its Earth Science Data Systems, supports the NASA Earth Science research community in providing Earth science data products and services driven by NASA’s Earth Science goals. NASA’s Earth Science Program is dedicated to advancing Earth remote sensing and pioneering the scientific use of satellite measurements to improve human understanding of our home planet in order to inform economic and policy decisions and improve operational services of benefit to the Nation. Through the MEaSUREs Program, NASA is continuing its commitment to expand understanding the Earth system using consistent records. NASA has begun to deploy new types of sensors to provide three-dimensional profiles of Earth’s atmosphere and surface. Emphasis is placed into linking together multiple satellites into a constellation, developing the means of utilizing a multitude of data sources to form coherent time series, and facilitating the use of extensive data in the development of comprehensive Earth system models.

Open Solicitations

2012 MEaSUREs ROSES Solicitation PDF (44 KB) Proposals are due May 15, 2012

Past Solicitations

2006 MEaSUREs ROSES Solicitation PDF (40 KB) Awarded Projects PDF (112 KB)

More information on MEaSUREs projects

Overview of REASoN

NASA’s Research, Education and Applications Solutions Network (REASoN) projects provide data products, information systems and services capabilities, and/or advanced data systems technologies integrated into the project, to address strategic needs in Earth science research, applications, and education. Forty-two projects began work in 2003 and 2004.

Open Solicitations

There are currently no open REASoN solicitations or any plans for future solicitations.

Past Solicitations

2002 REASoN CAN Solicitation PDF (1,352 KB) Awarded Projects PDF (26 KB)

More information on REASoN projects

Additional Resources

NASA solicits research and development through the release of various research announcements in a wide range of science and technology disciplines. Visit the NASA NSPIRES Website for more information about NASA research opportunities, including through the annual Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) solicitations.