Launched on June 10, 2011, NASA's Aquarius (SAC)-D mission was expected to remain in space for at least three years to measure ocean surface salinity. The satellite has already exceeded the three-year mark by almost a month, and is providing scientists with pertinent information.
The NASA mission is a joint operation conducted with Argentina's space agency, Comision Nacional de Actividades Espaciales (CONAE). By mapping the ocean's salinity (concentration of dissolved salt) the satellite's measurements are expected to provide a deeper understanding of the Earth's water cycle and ocean circulation. This is expected to expand knowledge on a number of issues, including weather, climate, ocean currents, movement of heat, etc. But it can also measure soil wetness.
On Monday, NASA scientists released the latest maps of worldwide soil moisture thanks to data provided by Aquarius. The maps show how the wetness of land varies with the seasons as well as weather phenomena and how soil moisture is an important aspect in the Earth's water cycle. They believe this information will give them the ability to improve climate models, weather forecasts, drought monitoring, and flood predictions. Interestingly enough, soil moisture measurements were not included in the mission's objectives prior to launch.
"There's a lot of precipitation data in our country, but outside the U.S. and Europe it gets pretty sparse," said Tom Jackson, a hydrologist with the USDA and principal investigator for the Aquarius soil moisture measurements, in this NASA news release. "By using soil moisture readings, we can better monitor the condition of soils."
NASA funded a team of U.S. Department of Agriculture researchers to develop a method to gather such data following Aquarius' launch. They soon discovered that monitoring the condition of soils would allow relief agencies to better prepare for food emergency responses, while also improving crop forecasts and help farmers and markets adjust their prices based on worldwide production. Furthermore, the space agency plans to launch the Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) mission in November, which will provide the highest quality soil moisture measurements possible.
This mission is expected to obtain information that Aquarius cannot, including soil moisture on small islands, coastlines, or any piece of land narrower than 62 miles, along with areas containing dense tree canopy that disrupt the microwave signals. It will also provide greater spatial and temporal resolutions. But thanks to Aquarius, scientists wouldn't have been able to make any advancements for soil moisture-reading technology. With climate change and ocean current patterns playing a huge role in today's scientific discourse, this type of research is essential.
You can read more about the Aquarius satellite and view the soil moisture maps in this NASA news release.
