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The Nasa-Isro Synthetic Aperture Radar (Nisar) satellite, set to launch in early 2024, will provide researchers with an unparalleled opportunity to study Earth’s forests and wetlands, according to the Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) of NASA. The mission aims to better understand how changes in these ecosystems affect the global carbon cycle and climate change.

Upon its launch, Nisar will scan almost all of Earth’s land and ice surfaces every 12 days, thanks to its advanced radar technology. The satellite will focus on two crucial ecosystems, forests, and wetlands, which play vital roles in regulating greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Forests absorb carbon in their trees, while wetlands store it in their organic soil layers. Disruptions to these ecosystems can accelerate the release of carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere.

By tracking changes in land cover on a global scale, Nisar will contribute to the study of the carbon cycle, which involves the movement of carbon between the atmosphere, land, ocean, and living organisms. This satellite’s radar technology will provide a comprehensive view of Earth’s changing land and ice.

Deforestation, responsible for approximately 11% of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions, is a significant concern. Nisar’s data will enhance understanding of the impact of global deforestation on the carbon cycle and its contribution to global warming.

Nisar will have radars operating in two frequencies, the L-band and S-band. The L-band radar will penetrate forest canopies, offering precise insights into forest density. This technology will track changes in forest coverage, potentially identifying causes such as disease, human activity, or fire.

Moreover, Nisar’s data will be crucial for studying rainforests in regions like the Congo and Amazon basins, aiding in the understanding of deforestation, forest degradation, and forest growth. This information will support efforts towards more sustainable practices and reducing carbon emissions.

Additionally, Nisar will provide valuable data on the motion of the land, aiding researchers in understanding geological events such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, subsidence, and uplift. It will also monitor the movement and melting of glaciers and sea ice, providing vital information for climate and environmental studies.

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