On Thursday, October 9 @ 11am ET, join Cary Institute for a virtual scientific seminar by Dr. Dana Chadwick, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology.
Imaging spectroscopy, also referred to as hyperspectral imaging, has revolutionized our ability to observe, characterize, and understand Earth’s complex systems, spanning terrestrial and aquatic environments. The expansion of airborne observations has supported research and applications development that leverage imaging spectroscopy across various temporal and spatial scales to address critical questions in ecosystem structure, function, and dynamics across diverse landscapes.
At the landscape scale, combining high-resolution imaging spectroscopy, topographic data, and field campaigns has revealed the interconnected roles of geomorphology, hydrology, and biogeochemical processes in shaping above and belowground ecosystem characteristics. Examples from the Peruvian Amazon, Mt. Kinabalu, Malaysia, and the Rocky Mountains highlight the ability to discern patterns and processes across geomorphologically complex regions, supporting land management and regional modeling efforts.
The era of spaceborne visible-to-shortwave infrared (VSWIR) spectroscopy has extended these capabilities globally and expanded the application areas available to data users, as demonstrated by NASA’s Earth Surface Mineral Dust Source Investigation (EMIT). Operating from the International Space Station, EMIT has provided unprecedented observations of surface mineral composition across Earth’s arid regions, advancing climate research and supporting diverse scientific investigations. Having entered an extended mission, EMIT now collects data over expanded areas, including the tropics, agricultural regions, and areas associated with anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
As we look to the future of global, sub-seasonal repeat imaging spectroscopy data, leveraging airborne precursor activities to develop algorithm strategies and identify opportunities for international collaboration will continue to demonstrate the transformative potential of imaging spectroscopy. By fostering collaborative, inclusive research communities, leveraging decades of airborne research, and working with emerging spaceborne platforms, we are poised to gain unprecedented insights into the temporal and spatial complexities of our changing planet.
Free and open to all. Registration required via Eventbrite.
