Monitoring Earth Surface Changes from Space

Abstract

This report gives an overview of the activities which have been undertaken as part of the technical follow-on to the large study "Monitoring Earth Surface Changes from Space". In addition to the support provided by the Keck Institute for Space Studies, these activities have been supported by matching funds from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, from UAE and Kuwait, and from the MDAP NASA program. Activities were organized under five different themes, each lead by a different PI: 1- Optical Image Time-Series (PI: Sebastien Leprince). These activities aim at developing techniques to analyze optical images acquired by different imaging systems and at different times to look at general landscape evolution (evolutions due to tectonic activity, glacier flow, landslides, sand dunes migration, etc.). They also aim at building a framework for large scale processing to look at global changes. 2- SAR Time-Series Analysis (PI: Mark Simons). These activities aim at developing techniques to analyze radar image time series, in particular via interferrometric techniques. These activities involve close interactions with JPL via the ARIA project (PI: Susan Owen). 3- Seismic Waves Imaging (PI: Pablo Ampuero). These activities aim at developing techniques for seismic inversion with dense measurement in time and space, such as measurement that would be provided by a space seismometer. These activities involve close interactions with JPL, which received a matching R&TD funding to investigate the development of a space optical seismometer (PI: David Redding). 4- Sub-surface Imaging (PI: Essam Heggy). These activities involve close interactions at testing the possibility of an Earth orbiting Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR). Within the scope of this project, only airborne applications will be sought after, with study for space applications. 5- Science Applications (PI: Mike Lamb). These activities involve taking advantage of the techniques developed by the other groups. It also drives the technical developments and foresees the external visitor program. We detail below these activities. Each sub-section has software products, publications, and/or conference posters/talks as outcome. All publications and presentations in international meetings are listed again at the end of the report together with a few other publications produced by collaborators who have participated in the KISS study but did not receive funding from us. Regarding the 'seismic waves imaging' project, we have explored different designs and mission concepts for a 4 m-class Seismic Imager Geostationnary satellite system. We are currently working on estimating the cost and preparing a draft GSI Mission Whitepaper.

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