MODIS/ASTER Simulator (MASTER)

Jeff Myers has in the past collaborated with John Ryan at Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute to study algal blooms in Monterey Bay. Again, the experiment is appealing for student participation, since its scientific importance is straightforward and detection essentially involves only a few spectral bands, an infrared one being the most important. The microbes which constitute the bloom make daily round trips from depth to nearer surface and back. The best time for detecting them near the surface is from noon to 2:00 PM, but valuable data can be obtained at nearly any time. An overflight by the DC-8 can be coordinated with ocean sampling from a boat directly underneath the aircraft, so the connection between remote sensing and direct measurement of what is actually causing the infrared signal can be made. Dr. Ryan will give lectures on remote sensing of ocean processes and guide students on analysis of the data acquired on the science flights.

Dr. Susan Ustin from the University of California Davis conducts research in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Her suggestions for research using multi-spectral imaging data are (1) crop classification in a major agricultural region, (2) transpiration from crops as assessed using the thermal and visible bands, to be compared with evapo-transpiration estimates provided daily from models, and (3) temperatures of water entering the Delta from different rivers. In addition to lectures on remote sensing of land use, Dr. Ustin will provide guidance on specific data reduction methods.

NASA research aircraft have been used extensively in verification of satellite measurements. A goal for flight planning will be to include an underflight of the A-Train so that comparisons with MODIS on Terra or Aqua might provide both educational and practical value.

Whole Air Sampler (WAS)

During a study sponsored by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) in Spring 2008, Don Blake's research group detected surprisingly strong emissions from the large dairy operations in California's Central Valley. Large quantities of ethanol were detected. Ethanol reactions in the atmosphere can lead to chemically produced ozone. The result is significant, and students who are involved in this program in 2009 could possibly have publishable results. Additional significance is that the results may trigger CARB to institute new air-quality regulations.

One advantage of the experiment is that it is readily understandable. Students will take samples of ambient air at various locations and elevations, and then analyze them for chemical content. This allows students to learn airborne science techniques plus subsequent laboratory and data analysis. Furthermore, Dr. Blake's group plans to also collect samples at a few ground locations to expand the data reach.

Dr. Blake will train students on how to quantify methane and CO in a day. Other gases are trickier and could take longer; but advanced students could learn these sophisticated techniques as well.