|
introduction /
modis /
misr /
aster /
mopitt /
ceres /
conclusion
| ASTER, Y. Yamaguchi |
| |
|
The Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection radiometer, ASTER, is an international project: the instrument was supplied by Japan's Ministry of International Trade and Industry. A joint US/Japan science team developed algorithms for science data products, and is validating instrument performance. With its 14 spectral bands, extremely high spatial resolution, and 15 meter along-track stereo capability, ASTER is the zoom lens of the Terra satellite. The primary mission goals are to characterize the Earth's surface; and to monitor dynamic events and processes that influence habitability at human scales.
|
 |
This ASTER image of Tokyo illustrates how the 15 meter high resolution data can be used by urban planners to map and monitor local to regional urban changes. On the left side of the image, for example, hilly terrain has been extensively converted to golf courses. A detailed view of the downtown shows the moated Imperial Palace, mixed commercial and residential neighborhoods, the port area with its reclaimed artificial islands, and the Haneda regional airport.
|
 |
A flyby around Mt Fuji volcano, Japan was created completely from ASTER data, It shows how ASTER's stereo imaging capability will allow us to produce detailed elevation data. Topography is one of the most important and basic characteristics of the land. By combining the elevation with image data, we can visualize the 3-dimensional properties of the landscape. Over the lifetime of the mission we plan to acquire stereo data for the entire land surface of Earth.
|
 |
In order to identify surface materials, we will take advantage of all of ASTER's spectral bands. The short wave infrared false color image of Mauna Loa volcano, Hawaii depicts lava flows in uniform dark colors. However, when combine the narrow thermal infrared bands in color, the lava flows suddenly appear different from each other, due to their relative ages. This helps us understand the eruptive history of a volcano, a critical factor in defining future eruption hazards and risk.
|
 |
One of our major goals is monitoring dynamic events. On March 31, Mt, Usu, Japan erupted, forcing the evacuation of 15,000 people. On April 3, ASTER captured this visible-to-infrared image. Lake Toya, the large lake, occupies an old volcanic caldera. The currently active Mt. Usu lies on the south shore. The 3 dark streaks starting on the northwest flank of the volcano are the ash deposits from the plume 3 days earlier. We are currently imaging Usu every 3 to 4 days, looking for further signs of unrest, and map damage to the towns and countryside. |
 |
ASTER's monitoring and mapping capabilities are illustrated by this series of images of the San Francisco area. The visible image reveals suspended sediment in the bays, vegetation health, and details of the urban environment. The short wave infrared image detects subtle soil differences beneath sparse vegetation and the water content of plants. The thermal infrared image separates roofing materials, important for assessing the urban heat island effect; and measures water temperature, vital for monitoring wetlands and understanding coastal dynamics.
Flying over San Francisco, we see the downtown, and shadows of the large buildings. Past the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island, we cross San Pablo Bay and enter Suisun Bay. Turning south, we fly over the Berkeley and Oakland Hills. Large salt evaporation ponds come into view at the south end of San Francisco Bay. We turn northward, and approach San Francisco Airport. Rather than landing and ending our flight, we see this is as only the beginning of a 6 year mission to better understand the habitability of the world on which we live.
|
introduction /
modis /
misr /
aster /
mopitt /
ceres /
conclusion
|