NASA Instrument on ISS Identifies More Than 750 Greenhouse Gas Sources.
A NASA instrument aboard the International Space Station (ISS) has far exceeded expectations by identifying more than 750 sources of greenhouse gases around the world. The instrument, called Earth Surface Mineral Dust Source Investigation (EMIT), was originally designed to map minerals on the surface of the Earth's arid regions. However, it has also proven to be a powerful tool for detecting greenhouse gas emissions.
EMIT uses an spectrometer to measure the composition of sunlight reflected from the Earth's surface. This information can be used to identify different types of minerals, as well as greenhouse gases such as methane and nitrous oxide.
The new study, published in the journal Science Advances, shows that EMIT has been able to identify greenhouse gas emissions from a wide range of sources, including farms, landfills, oil and gas operations, and wildfires. The instrument has also been able to detect emissions from small sources that were previously difficult to monitor.
"EMIT's ability to detect these emissions is a game-changer for our understanding of greenhouse gas sources and our ability to address climate change," said Robert Green, principal investigator for EMIT at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).
The study also found that EMIT's observations can be used to estimate the total amount of greenhouse gases emitted from different regions of the world. This information can be used to improve climate models and develop more effective climate policies.
"EMIT is providing us with a new level of detail about where greenhouse gases are being emitted," said Andrew Thorpe, the lead author of the study. "This information is crucial for understanding the causes of climate change and developing effective solutions."
EMIT's observations are already being used by scientists and policymakers around the world. The instrument is expected to continue to provide valuable insights into greenhouse gas emissions for many years to come.
Key takeaways:
- NASA's EMIT instrument has identified over 750 sources of greenhouse gases around the world.
- The instrument was originally designed to map minerals, but it has proven to be a powerful tool for detecting greenhouse gas emissions.
- EMIT's observations can be used to estimate the total amount of greenhouse gases emitted from different regions of the world.
- EMIT's data is already being used by scientists and policymakers to understand and address climate change.
Conclusion:
EMIT is a powerful new tool for understanding and addressing climate change. Its ability to detect greenhouse gas emissions from a wide range of sources is providing valuable insights into the causes of global warming. The instrument is expected to play a critical role in our efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change in the years to come.