NASA and Sámi University of Applied Sciences collaborates
Vice-rector and Assoc. Professor of Sámi University of Applied Sciences, Inger Marie Gaup Eira, is a part of a international researchers team that NASA started.
Satellite Rain-On-Snow Detection to Help Reindeer Herders
NASA awarded the research proposal entitled “Satellite Rain-On-Snow Detection: A New Climate Change Product” submitted to the Science Mission Directorate’s Earth Science Division, in response to NASA's Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Science "The Science of Terra and Aqua". The project's team is international and composed of:
- Ludovic Brucker (NASA GSFC / USRA GESTAR)
- Joe Munchak (NASA GSFC / Uni. of Maryland)
- Nancy Maynard (NASA GSFC / Uni. of Miami)
- Alexandre Langlois and Caroline Dolant (University of Sherbrooke, Canada)
- Anders Oskal, Executive Director, International Centre for Reindeer Husbandry (ICR)
- Inger Marie Gaup Eira (Dr.), Assoc. Professor, Vice-Rector, Sámi University of Applied Sciences, Norway and International Centre for Reindeer Husbandry (ICR)
- Svein D Mathiesen (Dr.), Institute Leader, Professor, University of the Arctic Institute for Circumpolar Reindeer Husbandry (UArctic EALÁT Institute at ICR
The objective is to develop a satellite algorithm using the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometers (AMSR-E and AMSR2) for detecting rain-on-snow events daily over the subarctic regions. This will provide a new indicator for wintertime climate change monitoring, and it will help communities of native Arctic reindeer herders with climate adaptation to improve herd management. The algorithm will be validated using satellite rainfall data from the new Global Precipitation Measurement mission, and in-situ measurements in Northern Canada. Some ground-based observations as well as efficient dissemination of satellite ROS product to reindeer herders and managers across the Arctic will be implemented through the U Arctic EALAT Institute on Circumpolar Reindeer Husbandry, the International Centre for Reindeer Husbandry, the Reindeer Portal, and the Arctic Portal.
Read more here: NASA
