Revolutionary Advances
The GIFTS instrument will make revolutionary advances in weather
observations by measuring winds, water vapor, cloud radiance, and
temperature in the Earth's atmosphere with high spatial and temporal
resolution. GIFTS measuring techniques may potentially improve weather and
air quality forecasting skills considerably.
Upon completion of a successful mission, GIFTS data will be available to
scientists studying atmospheric processes. This highly detailed information
will aid in the observation and prediction of severe weather conditions and
will extend the range of global weather forecasts. And, it will allow
scientists to monitor and predict the path of undesirable chemical
pollutants (e.g., carbon monoxide and ozone) that affect air quality.
Using GIFTS data——provided by the new measurement concepts and advanced
technologies——in atmospheric models, scientists will be closer to
answering the questions:
- When and where will intense thunderstorms, with possible tornadoes,
occur?
- Where and when will a hurricane come ashore?
- When will the next El Nino occur?
- What temperature and precipitation pattern can we expect this growing
season?
The GIFTS-IOMI mission is the first step toward incorporating technological
breakthroughs into the next generation of operational weather and climate
observing systems. For a more technically detailed explanation of GIFTS science objectives,
check out the GIFTS Science Site.
