Characterising regimes of land stress across the Indo-Gangetic Plain using Earth Observation data

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Earth observation (EO) sensors on satellite platforms can be used to remotely study vulnerable regions of the world that are in need of monitoring capabilities on scales that cannot be attained by ground- based instruments. In this project we will use the first land surface temperature climate data record from the Along Track Scanning Radiometer series of instruments, designed and calibrated using STFC expertise, to map long-term land use changes across the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP). Rapidly increasing urbanisation, degrading air quality and an increasing demand for groundwater is adding additional pressures to the natural ecosystem within the IGP, recently highlighted as one of the most polluted regions by the World Health Organisation.As science and technology communities in the UK are being directed towards research that provides social and economic benefits to developing nations, it is imperative that we develop innovative methods on how to use UK-led EO science to aid governments and communities in the developing world to make informed decisions about protecting their natural food and water resources and more effective urban planning. Additionally, this project aims to further develop existing relationships and create new partnerships between STFC and EO, instrumentation and technology communities in India.