MARCH 2007

If you have trouble reading our email version check out the PDF issue:
http://www.rsmas.miami.edu/info/soundings/2007/03/soundings_03-07.pdf

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NATIONAL IMPERATIVES
FOR EARTH SCIENCE RESEARCH

On March 7, 2007 Dean Otis Brown appeared before the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Space, Aeronautics, and Related Sciences Subcommittee. Excerpts from his testimony follow.

As dean of the Rosenstiel School, I have first-hand experience how satellite observations provide real-world results. Following Hurricane Katrina, imagery from our Center for Southeastern Tropical Advanced Remote Sensing assisted relief and recovery efforts in New Orleans, tracking to see when and where flood waters had receded to increase the effectiveness of rescue efforts. Also pertinent to the environmental challenges presenting themselves in the Gulf states, we employed satellite observations to identify the rate of subsidence in the Mississippi Delta and New Orleans – equally invaluable information when making decisions about the reality and requirements of rebuilding in this area and long-term environmental challenges. This same imagery is what we use to monitor water levels in the Everglades. I cannot emphasize enough how vital satellite imagery has become to our ability to predict, plan, prepare, and respond.

My testimony focuses on the roles of NASA and NOAA. It also addresses some resource and coordination issues for these two agencies.

As you may know I have been part of the National Research Council (NRC) team that recently produced a decadal plan for Earth observations from space, which provides a prioritized roadmap. Our vision is captured in the following declaration:

Understanding the complex, changing planet on which we live, how it supports life, and how human activities affect its ability to do so in the future is one of the greatest intellectual challenges facing humanity. It is also one of the most important challenges for society as it seeks to achieve prosperity, health, and sustainability.

The first question the NRC committee had to address was the national capabilities for Earth observations. We were troubled by the answer.

We found that the current investment strategies had led to a system at risk of collapse. That assessment was based on the observed decline in funding for Earth-observation missions in NASA and the consequent cancellation, downsizing, and delay of a number of critical missions and instruments in both agencies. There are many potential consequences.
Some examples are:

Weather forecasts and warnings may become less accurate, putting more people at risk and diminishing the proven economic value of accurate forecasts – this is particularly important to this country since we must cope with many forms of extreme weather, be it in the form of hurricanes, tornadoes, drought, floods or winter storms.

Climate variability and the rate of change need to be better quantified. Earth is warming because of a small imbalance between incoming solar radiation and outgoing radiation from Earth. Without the recommended measurements, we will not be able to quantify how this net energy imbalance is changing, or when or if the planet will stop warming.

Climate models have improved steadily over the years, but are far from perfect and must be improved if we are to intelligently cope with climate change. Satellites provide unique observations of the Earth system and validate and improve these models.

Sea level is rising and glaciers and ice fields around the world are melting, but we just don’t know how fast these are occurring. Without continuing quantitative observations, we can’t know how these rates change or the implications for coastal communities.

The bottom line is: Earth science is based fundamentally on observations. While it is impossible to predict what scientific advances will not occur without the observations, or what surprises we will miss, we can be sure the rate of scientific progress will be greatly slowed – perhaps even undone to some degree.

Climate variability and natural disasters are taking a significant toll on our economy, our environment, and our well being. And, that is why we must sustain the Earth observations that underpin national preparedness and response. Implementing these missions will not only greatly reduce the risk of natural disasters of all kinds to the people of our country and the world, they will also support more efficient management of natural resources including water, energy, fisheries, and ecosystems, and support the economy. Thus, the cost of the program is repaid many times over.

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INCONVENIENT TRUTHS MUST LEAD TO NEW HABITS

WE HAVE A WINNER

The regional competition for the National Ocean Science Bowl was held at MAST Academy and RSMAS on February 24th. 18 teams competed from 10 Eastern Florida high schools, which made for a very exciting day. Many of the matches were quick paced and the final competition ran close.

Awards went to:

First place: Eau Gallie High School (Team I) - Going to Stoney Brook, New York for the national competition

Second place: MAST Academy (Team I)

Third place: Miami Palmetto Senior High School (Team I)

Sportsmanship: Miami Palmetto Senior High School (Team II)

This event happens annually thanks to the dozens of volunteers who act as science judges, timekeepers, moderators, and runners for this Jeopardy-like competition. This event is sponsored by the Consortium for Oceanographic Research and Education in cooperation with the Rosenstiel School and Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute.Laura Bracken
NOSB Regional Coordinator

The following organizations were local sponsors of the National Ocean Science Bowl:

The Billfish Foundation
Florida Marine Science Educators Association
Florida Sea Grant College Program
Hood College Coastal Studies Semester
International Game Fish Association
Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium
Officer Snook Water Pollution Program
University of Alaska Southeast
University of Miami Chapter of Sigma Xi
Yamaha Contender Miami Billfish Tournament

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RSMAS BADER LECTURE TO
FEATURE FAMED GLACIOLOGIST

One of the world’s most renowned glaciologists will present at this year’s UM Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science Bader Lecture, to be held Wednesday, March 28 at 4 p.m. in the school auditorium on the Rosenstiel campus. Richard S. Williams Jr., senior research geologist from the U.S. Geological Survey and Woods Hole Science Center, will discuss, “Earth’s Dynamic Ice: The Meltdown” at this free lecture geared toward academics and oceanography enthusiasts.

Over the past two decades, Williams has been using state-of-the-art airborne and satellite sensing technology to study glaciers around the world. His research and that of his colleagues has taken on new importance as the Earth’s climate warms and its ice sheets melt.

Please make the title for the recycling article and energy saving smaller since they are subsections of the heading about "An Inconvenient Truth.".

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THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2007
Reefs of the Past: What They
Tell Us About Today’s
Coral Gardens
By Dr. Noel James, Professor "
and Research Chair
Queen’s University, Ontario, Canada

WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 2007
A Photographic Journey Undersea:
The Creatures of the Coral Reef
By Mr. Myron Wang
Underwater Photographer/
Environmentalist