Earth Observations from Space

Animations

Measurements from satellites shed light on ocean circulation patterns and changes in sea surface temperature.

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Visualizing El Niño (25Mb, includes audio)

A narrated visualization of the 1997 El Ni&ndilde;o, showing the effects of El Ni&ndilde;o through animations.

Source: NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center Scientific Visualization Studio


Sea Surface Temperature (240Mb, does not include audio)

Sea surface temperature around the globe, 1993-2004.

Source: Jet Propulsion Laboratory


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Atmospheric Composition—from tracking the air-quality impacts of wildfires to monitoring the size of the ozone hole, satellites measure many chemical properties of Earth's atmosphere.

Biosphere—satellites help scientists observe biological processes around the globe, such as the greening of terrestrial vegetation in the spring or blooms of aquatic organisms in the ocean.

Cryosphere—satellites help scientists study the areas of Earth covered by ice and snow.

Oceans—measurements from satellites shed light on ocean circulation patterns and changes in sea surface temperature.

Weather—satellites track wind, water, and other atmospheric variables to gain insights on weather patterns and improve predictions.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Most of the images and animations contained in this CD were created by governmental agencies and are generally not copyrighted. These may be used for educational or informational purposes. Where specific attribution is given, the original copyright owner must provide permission for the use of images in printed or electronic materials.
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