Earth Science System of the Future: Observing, Processing, and Delivering Data Products Directly to Users

Abstract: Advances in our understanding and ability to predict changes in our environment will require more comprehensive and coordinated measurements, data delivery systems, and modeling tools. The advanced Earth observing system will incorporate an integrated web of sensors deployed on the surface, in the air, and in space. The space-based assets will include both active and passive sensors in low Earth orbit, large aperture sensors in geostationary orbits, and sentinel satellites at L1 and L2. Data collected by these platforms will be coordinated by an advanced, semi-autonomous, network that links these systems each other and provides a seamless interface with data processing centers. There, advanced numerical modeling tools will be used to rapidly assimilate, evaluate, and disseminate this information directly to users. To illustrate utility of this system architecture, we describe its application to studies of rapidly evolving natural hazards. I