Hurricane Irene's impact in New England shows that tropical cyclones can greatly affect regions outside the view of TRMM. The GPM mission will build upon TRMM's legacy by examining a larger swath of Earth with more sensitive instruments.

GPM: The Fresh(water) Connection

Primary Topic:

Technology

Subtopics:

Water & Life, Satellites, Societal Applications, Freshwater Resources

Type:

Video

Audience:

Outreach, Informal, General

Standards:

ESS2.C

Keywords:

GPM Core Observatory, Goddard Space Flight Center

Summary:

In this promotional video NASA scientists discuss why it is so important to study and track Earth's freshwater resources, and explain the purpose of the Global Precipitation Measurement mission.

Orbits 'R' Us!

Primary Topic:

Technology

Subtopics:

Satellites, Remote Sensing

Type:

Article

Audience:

Informal, 6 - 8, General

Standards:

ETS2.A

Keywords:

orbits, non-sun-synchronous, poles, geostationary

Summary:

Satellites can orbit Earth's equator or go over Earth's North and South Poles, or anything in between. They can orbit at a low altitude, or thousands of miles out in space. The choice of orbit all depends on the satellite's job.

How do Hurricanes Form?

Primary Topic:

Weather and Climate

Subtopics:

Weather, Tropical Cyclones

Type:

Article

Audience:

Informal, General

Standards:

ESS2.C

Keywords:

hurricanes, typhoons, hot towers, low pressure, cumulonimbus

Summary:

Hurricanes are the most awesome, violent storms on Earth. People call these storms by other names, such as typhoons or cyclones, depending on where they occur. Whatever they are called, tropical cyclones all form the same way.

Earth's Water Cycle

Primary Topic:

Water Cycle

Subtopics:

Hydrologic Cycle, Precipitation, Weather and Climate

Type:

Video

Audience:

Informal, 6 - 8, General

Standards:

ESS2.C, ESS2.D, ETS2.A, ETS2.B

Keywords:

freshwater, evaporation, condensation

Summary:

This animation uses Earth science data from a variety of sensors on NASA Earth observing satellites as well as cartoons to describe Earth's water cycle and the continuous movement of water on, above and below the surface of the Earth.

Earth Observatory Water Cycle Overview

Primary Topic:

Water Cycle

Subtopics:

Hydrologic Cycle, Water Properties, Societal Applications

Type:

Article

Audience:

Outreach, Informal, General

Standards:

ESS2.C

Keywords:

water vapor, freshwater, oceans, water distribution

Summary:

Water is a vital substance that sets the Earth apart from the rest of the planets in our solar system. In particular, water appears to be a necessary ingredient for the development and nourishment of life.

Where the Rain Falls: Can Understanding Rain Enable Change?

Primary Topic:

Societal Applications

Subtopics:

Weather and Climate, Floods, Freshwater Resources, World Health

Type:

Website

Audience:

Outreach, Informal, Formal, General

Keywords:

climate change, agriculture

Standards:

ESS3.C, ESS3.D

Summary:

This website describes a study that is being conducted to understand the complexities of rainfall patterns and their effects on food security and human mobility.