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NASA Engineers Create Underwater Robots for Polar Ice Exploration

By Jonathan Bala August 31, 2024

NASA Engineers Create Underwater Robots for Polar Ice Exploration

NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is developing autonomous robots, called IceNode, to explore and monitor the melting ice shelves in Antarctica. These robots are designed to gather critical data on how warm ocean water affects the ice, with the ultimate goal of improving predictions of sea level rise.

Summary

IceNode Project: NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory is developing IceNode robots to explore the Antarctic ice shelves.
Mission Objective: The main goal is to collect data on how warm ocean water is melting Antarctic ice, which is crucial for predicting sea level rise.
Robot Design: IceNode robots are cylindrical, 8 feet long, and 10 inches in diameter, with landing gear to attach to the underside of the ice.
Unique Features: These robots navigate using ocean currents without a propulsion system and can operate for up to a year under the ice.
Recent Test: A prototype was successfully tested in the Beaufort Sea, north of Alaska, in March 2024, gathering data on salinity, temperature, and water flow.
Future Plans: The project aims to deploy a fleet of these robots under Antarctic ice shelves to provide continuous data on melting processes.
Climate Impact: Understanding Antarctic ice melt is critical for predicting future sea level rise, which could have devastating effects on coastal communities worldwide.
Collaboration: The project is part of a broader effort involving the U.S. Navy Arctic Submarine Laboratory’s Ice Camp, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration.
Quote: “Our goal is to continue developing these prototypes, test them further in the Arctic, and eventually deploy a full fleet under Antarctic ice shelves. The data we gather will be invaluable for scientists studying climate change and sea level rise.” – Paul Glick, JPL robotics engineer.

Introduction

The icy waters of Antarctica are one of the last frontiers on Earth, holding secrets that are critical to understanding our planet’s future. NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has taken a significant step forward in exploring this remote and mysterious region with the development of IceNode, a fleet of underwater robots designed to monitor the melting of Antarctic ice shelves.

Antarctica’s ice sheet is the largest single mass of ice on Earth, covering approximately 5.4 million square miles (14 million square kilometers). If the entire ice sheet were to melt, global sea levels could rise by about 200 feet (60 meters), dramatically altering coastlines and affecting billions of people worldwide. While such a catastrophic scenario is unlikely to happen overnight, the gradual melting of Antarctica’s ice due to rising global temperatures is already contributing to sea level rise.

Table 1: Potential Impact of Antarctic Ice Sheet Melting on Global Sea Levels

Ice Sheet Section	Potential Sea Level Rise	Area Covered by Ice (sq. miles)
West Antarctic Ice Sheet	10-13 feet (3-4 meters)	770,000
East Antarctic Ice Sheet	160 feet (50 meters)	4.9 million
Total Antarctic Ice	200 feet (60 meters)	5.4 million

Understanding how quickly Antarctic ice is melting and predicting future changes in sea levels requires accurate data. However, the areas where melting occurs most rapidly are incredibly challenging to access. The most critical zones, known as “grounding zones,” are located where the floating ice shelves meet the ocean and the land beneath. These zones are often buried under miles of ice, making them nearly impossible for humans to reach.

To overcome these challenges, engineers at JPL have developed IceNode, an autonomous underwater robot specifically designed to explore the grounding zones of Antarctic ice shelves. These robots are cylindrical in shape, measuring about 8 feet (2.4 meters) long and 10 inches (25 centimeters) in diameter. They are equipped with three-legged “landing gear” that allows them to attach to the underside of the ice, where they can monitor the melting process in real-time.

NASA Engineers Create Underwater Robots for Polar Ice Exploration — A remote camera took pictures of an IceNode prototype during a field test in 2022. The test happened below the frozen surface of Lake Superior, near Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The robot used three thin legs, called “landing gear,” to attach itself to the icy ceiling. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech
**Full Image Details**

Table 2: Specifications of IceNode Robots

Feature	Specification
Length	8 feet (2.4 meters)
Diameter	10 inches (25 centimeters)
Operation Duration	Up to 1 year
Navigation System	Ocean current navigation, no propulsion
Data Collection	Temperature, salinity, water flow

How IceNode Works

One of the most innovative aspects of IceNode is its navigation system. Unlike traditional underwater robots, IceNode does not rely on a propulsion system to move through the water. Instead, it uses advanced software to navigate ocean currents, allowing it to reach its target locations with minimal energy consumption. This design makes IceNode highly efficient and capable of long-duration missions under the ice.

Once an IceNode robot reaches its target location, it drops its ballast, allowing it to rise and attach to the underside of the ice shelf. The three-legged landing gear ensures a stable attachment, enabling the robot to remain in place as it gathers data. This unique capability allows IceNode to monitor the melting process directly, providing scientists with detailed information on how warm, salty ocean water interacts with the ice and how the resulting cold, fresh meltwater behaves.

IceNode robots are designed to operate for up to a year, continuously collecting data on various parameters, including temperature, salinity, and water flow. This long-term monitoring is crucial for understanding the seasonal changes that affect the melting process. After completing their mission, the robots detach from the ice, drift back to the open ocean, and transmit their collected data to scientists via satellite.

The March 2024 Test in the Beaufort Sea

In March 2024, a prototype of the IceNode robot was tested in the Beaufort Sea, north of Alaska. This test marked a critical milestone in the development of the IceNode project, as it was the first time the prototype was tested in a polar environment. The test was conducted as part of the U.S. Navy Arctic Submarine Laboratory’s Ice Camp, a three-week operation that provided a base for researchers to work in the harsh Arctic conditions.

During the test, the IceNode robot successfully gathered data on salinity, temperature, and water flow as it descended about 330 feet (100 meters) into the ocean. This data is essential for validating the robot’s design and performance in real-world conditions. The test also helped the engineering team identify areas for improvement, such as enhancing the robot’s stability and data transmission capabilities.

“We’re pleased with the progress we’ve made,” said Paul Glick, a JPL robotics engineer and the principal investigator for IceNode. “Our goal is to continue developing these prototypes, test them further in the Arctic, and eventually deploy a full fleet under Antarctic ice shelves. The data we gather will be invaluable for scientists studying climate change and sea level rise. Every step forward in this project brings us closer to that goal, and it’s very exciting.”

The Future of IceNode and Antarctic Exploration

The ultimate goal of the IceNode project is to deploy a fleet of these robots under the Antarctic ice shelves. By continuously monitoring the melting process, IceNode will provide scientists with the critical data they need to improve the accuracy of sea level rise projections. This information will be invaluable for policymakers and communities around the world as they plan for the future impacts of climate change.

The data collected by IceNode will not only improve our understanding of Antarctic ice melt but also contribute to broader climate research. By providing detailed information on how warm ocean waters are affecting polar ice, IceNode will help scientists develop more accurate climate models. These models are essential for predicting future changes in global temperatures, weather patterns, and sea levels.

While IceNode was specifically designed for Antarctic exploration, the technology behind these robots has the potential for other applications. For example, similar robots could be used to explore other remote and challenging environments, such as the deep ocean or the icy moons of Jupiter and Saturn. The lessons learned from the IceNode project could pave the way for new advances in autonomous exploration technology.

Reference

#NASA, #IceNode, #Antarctica, #PolarExploration, #SeaLevelRise, #ClimateChange, #UnderwaterRobots, #JPL, #ArcticResearch, #EnvironmentalScience

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Geography

Climate Change Experiments: NASA’s PREFIRE CubeSats Start Groundbreaking Mission

By Jonathan Bala June 6, 2024

Climate Change Experiments: NASA’s PREFIRE CubeSats Start Groundbreaking Mission

Key Takeaway:

NASA’s PREFIRE mission, comprising two CubeSats launched on Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket, aims to study Earth’s polar regions and improve climate models. The data collected will help predict changes in ice, sea levels, and weather patterns in a warming world.

Summary

Mission Overview: PREFIRE’s goal is to understand how Earth’s poles regulate the planet’s energy balance.
Launch Details: Two CubeSats launched from Māhia, New Zealand, with the second launch on June 5, 2024.
Scientific Objectives: Study far-infrared radiation emissions from the Arctic and Antarctic.
Technological Innovation: Use of miniaturized thermal infrared spectrometers.
Impact: Improved climate and weather prediction models.
Collaboration: Joint effort between NASA, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Blue Canyon Technologies.

Introduction

NASA has embarked on a pioneering mission to study the impact of climate change on Earth’s polar regions. This mission, known as PREFIRE (Polar Radiant Energy in the Far-InfraRed Experiment), utilizes two small CubeSats equipped with advanced thermal infrared spectrometers. Launched on Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket from Māhia, New Zealand, these CubeSats aim to provide crucial data to enhance our understanding of climate dynamics and improve predictive models.

PREFIRE Mission Overview

The PREFIRE mission is designed to fill a critical gap in our understanding of how Earth’s poles influence the global climate system. By measuring far-infrared radiation emitted from the Arctic and Antarctic, scientists can gain insights into the energy balance of our planet. This information is vital for predicting changes in ice cover, sea levels, and weather patterns as the climate continues to warm.

Launch Details and Mission Timeline

The PREFIRE mission consists of two CubeSats, each about the size of a shoebox. The first CubeSat was launched on May 25, 2024, followed by the second on June 5, 2024. Both launches took place from Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 1 in Māhia, New Zealand. Following a 30-day checkout period, during which engineers and scientists will verify the CubeSats’ functionality, the mission is expected to operate for ten months.

Table 1: Launch Details

Event	Date	Location
First CubeSat Launch	May 25, 2024	Māhia, New Zealand
Second CubeSat Launch	June 5, 2024	Māhia, New Zealand
Mission Duration	10 months	Near-polar orbits

Scientific Objectives

The primary scientific objective of the PREFIRE mission is to measure far-infrared radiation from Earth’s polar regions. The poles act as radiators, shedding much of the heat absorbed at the tropics back into space. Understanding this process is crucial for modeling the Earth’s energy budget and predicting climate change impacts.

Technological Innovation

Each PREFIRE CubeSat carries a thermal infrared spectrometer, an instrument designed to measure infrared wavelengths. The spectrometers use specially shaped mirrors and sensors, miniaturized to fit within the compact CubeSat frame. These advanced sensors are more sensitive than previous instruments, allowing for more precise measurements.

Impact on Climate and Weather Models

The data collected by the PREFIRE mission will enhance our understanding of how polar regions contribute to Earth’s overall energy balance. This information will improve the accuracy of climate and weather prediction models, leading to better forecasts and more informed decision-making.

Table 2: Expected Impacts of PREFIRE Data

Area of Impact	Description
Sea Level Rise	Improved predictions of melting ice and rising seas
Weather Patterns	Better understanding of polar influence on weather
Snow and Ice Cover	Accurate tracking of changes in polar ice sheets
Climate Models	Enhanced models for long-term climate predictions

The PREFIRE mission is a collaborative effort involving several key partners. NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) manages the mission, with the University of Wisconsin-Madison responsible for data processing. Blue Canyon Technologies built the CubeSats, while Rocket Lab USA Inc. provided the launch services. The mission is part of NASA’s Venture-class Acquisition of Dedicated and Rideshare (VADR) launch services contract.

The PREFIRE mission represents a significant step forward in climate research. By providing detailed measurements of far-infrared radiation from Earth’s polar regions, it will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the climate system. This knowledge is essential for developing effective strategies to reduce and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

NASA’s PREFIRE mission is a groundbreaking effort to study the far-infrared radiation emitted from Earth’s polar regions. The data collected by the two CubeSats will enhance our understanding of the planet’s energy balance and improve climate and weather prediction models. This mission exemplifies the power of collaboration and technological innovation in advancing our knowledge of climate change and its impacts on Earth.

For additional information about PREFIRE, please visit:

https://science.nasa.gov/mission/prefire/

Hashtags:

#NASA, #PREFIRE, #ClimateChange, #CubeSats, #PolarResearch, #EarthScience, #InfraredRadiation, #ClimateModels, #EnvironmentalScience

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Earth Observation Satellites

Differences Between Climate Change and Global Warming

By Jonathan Bala May 19, 2024

Differences Between Climate Change and Global Warming

Key Takeaways

Global warming refers to the increase in Earth’s average surface temperature due to rising levels of greenhouse gases. Climate change involves global warming but also includes broader changes such as shifts in weather patterns, rising sea levels, and impacts on ecosystems. Human activities, especially fossil fuel consumption, are the primary drivers of recent global warming. Climate change has led to more frequent and intense extreme weather events. Ecosystems are under threat, with some species struggling to adapt to rapid climate shifts.

ice age cycles over the past 800.000 years reflected in antarctic ice cores

Summary

Global Warming:
- Defined as an increase in global average surface temperatures.
- Measured through historical records and modern instruments.
- Strongly linked to increased greenhouse gas emissions from human activities.
Climate Change:
- covers long-term changes in temperature, precipitation, and weather patterns.
- Results in more frequent and severe weather events.
- Poses a significant threat to ecosystems and biodiversity.
Measurement and Evidence:
- Historical temperature records date back to 1880.
- Paleoclimatology provides long-term climate data.
- Modern instruments and models increase data accuracy.
Human Impact:
- Industrial activities have significantly increased greenhouse gas emissions.
- Fossil fuel consumption is the largest contributor.
- Deforestation and other practices also contribute to rising CO2 levels.
Effects on Weather:
- Increased frequency and intensity of natural disasters.
- Changes in precipitation patterns and ocean temperatures.
Ecosystem Threats:
- Coral bleaching due to ocean acidification.
- Disruption of habitats and loss of biodiversity.
Scientific Consensus:
- Strong agreement on human-induced global warming.
- Challenges in predicting future climate impacts due to complex systems.

Differences Between Climate Change and Global Warming

Global warming is defined by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) as an increase in combined surface air and sea surface temperatures averaged over the globe and over a 30-year period. For over a century, research has focused on measuring and pinpointing the causes of global warming.

Measurements Throughout History

Earth’s average surface temperature has experienced fluctuations throughout history. The most reliable global temperature records date back to 1880. Prior to that, data from farmers and scientists’ diaries, dating back to the 17th century, have been validated against modern instrumental data. Paleoclimatologists use proxy data such as pollen counts, glacier movements, ice cores, and tree rings to study ancient climates.

Natural events like asteroid impacts and volcanic eruptions have historically caused dramatic temperature changes, often leading to mass extinctions. However, the rapid temperature increase observed over the past 50 years is unprecedented.

The Greenhouse Effect

In the mid-19th century, scientists began identifying changes in carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations as a leading cause of global temperature changes. American physicist Eunice Foote first demonstrated how CO2 absorbs solar radiation in 1856, laying the groundwork for understanding the greenhouse effect.

The greenhouse effect is the process by which greenhouse gases, such as CO2, trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, leading to warming. In 1988, James Hansen of NASA’s Goddard Institute testified to the U.S. Congress about the strong link between greenhouse gas emissions and global warming.

Human-Induced Causes

Humans have significantly accelerated global warming through activities such as fossil fuel consumption and deforestation. Since the late 18th century, the use of coal, oil, and natural gas has skyrocketed, releasing large amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

Fossil fuel burning, which emits CO2, methane, and nitrous oxide, still accounted for 82% of the world’s primary energy use in 2021. The parallel rise in fossil fuel consumption and global surface temperatures is striking, with greenhouse gas emissions reaching levels unprecedented in at least the last 800,000 years.

What Is Climate Change?

Climate change refers to long-term changes in temperature, precipitation, and weather patterns, often as a result of global warming. These changes have significant and far-reaching impacts on the environment and human societies.

Extreme Weather

Global warming has led to more frequent and severe extreme weather events, including wildfires, heat waves, droughts, floods, and hurricanes. These events, which were once rare, have increased tenfold since 1960. According to the World Meteorological Organization, weather-related disasters have accounted for half of all recorded disasters and 74% of economic losses over the last 50 years.

Attributing Weather to Climate Change

While it can be challenging to attribute individual extreme weather events directly to global warming, the overall increase in frequency and intensity of such events is strongly linked to climate change. Warmer oceans and air contribute to the likelihood and severity of droughts, heat waves, storms, and other extreme events.

Threats to Ecosystems

Climate change poses a significant threat to Earth’s biosphere. As species struggle to adapt to rapid climate changes, many fail, leading to biodiversity loss. Coral reefs, for example, are dying due to ocean acidification caused by increased CO2 levels. Peatlands and coastal wetlands dry out and decompose, releasing more greenhouse gases and creating a cascading effect of environmental calamities.

Ecosystem	Impact	Example
Coral Reefs	Ocean acidification	Coral bleaching in the Great Barrier Reef
Peatlands	Decomposition	Release of CO2 and methane from drying peatlands
Wetlands	Habitat loss	Displacement of species relying on wetlands

Scientific Consensus

The scientific community overwhelmingly agrees that human activities are the primary cause of recent global warming. The level of confidence in the anthropogenic causes of global warming has grown to be nearly unanimous. However, predicting the future impacts of climate change remains challenging due to the complexity of Earth’s physical and biological systems.

Global warming and climate change are interconnected phenomena with significant implications for the environment and human societies. Understanding the causes and effects of these changes is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate their impact and adapt to a changing world.

Call to Action

It is imperative that we take immediate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, transition to renewable energy sources, and implement policies that support sustainable practices. The future of our planet depends on the steps we take today.

Hashtags

#GlobalWarming, #ClimateChange, #Sustainability, #RenewableEnergy, #EnvironmentalScience, #GreenhouseEffect, #ExtremeWeather, #EcosystemThreats, #ScientificConsensus, #ActNow

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