Application of NASA Climate Models and Missions to Agriculture Decision Support
Radley
M
Horton, Columbia University, rh142@columbia.edu
(Presenting)
Cynthia
Rosenzweig, NASA GISS, crosenzweig@giss.nasa.gov
NASA Earth science research results—the NASA-GISS global climate model and precipitation products based on NASA missions-- are here evaluated verified and validated, demonstrating that one of the research focus areas of the NASA ESD R&A Programs--Climate Variability and Change—can be implemented/integrated with an agriculture Decision Support Tool (DST) vital for the Nation’s environment, economy, safety and security. This integration is critical given the growing evidence that climate change is already impacting agriculture and ecosystems (Rosenzweig et al. 2007a).
The needs provided by models fall under the general categories of: 1) synoptic scenarios, which include the influence of patterns of climate variability; 2) extreme events such as heat waves, droughts and floods; and 3) probabilistic scenarios that express the range of possible climate changes in the future. Inclusion of these three types of information in agricultural DSTs (which currently include weather information) will allow for improved management options and decision making, which will improve agricultural outcomes. For example, more drought resistant crops are recommended when drier than normal conditions are expected, and early planting may be suggested in regions when above normal precipitation is expected.
In the next phase, we will benchmark agricultural DST performance with and without the NASA model and mission products described here. Another key component will be the generation of finalized outputs (based on continued interaction with agricultural stakeholders) for operational use by the agricultural agencies, presented using state-of-the-art visualization tools and complex data delivery systems.
NASA Carbon Cycle & Ecosystems Active Awards Represented by this Poster: