NASA | Our Wet Wide World

The video discusses the limited availability of freshwater and the importance of tracking precipitation to manage water resources effectively. It introduces the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission, an international satellite initiative led by NASA and JAXA, which aims to provide comprehensive precipitation data globally. The GPM satellite, one of the largest built at Goddard, continues and enhances the work of the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission. Equipped with advanced radar and radiometer instruments, GPM offers detailed insights into precipitation patterns, helping to translate satellite data into actionable information about rain and snow worldwide.

What percentage of Earth's water is freshwater?

• 50%

• 25%

• 3%

• 10%

What is the main limitation of ground-based sensors in tracking precipitation?

• They can only measure temperature.

• They are too expensive to maintain.

• They provide limited global coverage.

• They are not accurate.

What is the primary goal of the GPM mission?

• To track global temperature changes.

• To measure ocean currents.

• To monitor volcanic activity.

• To set a new standard for precipitation measurement from space.

Which countries are involved in the GPM mission?

• Germany, Italy, Spain, and Portugal

• Canada, Mexico, Australia, and New Zealand

• China, Russia, Brazil, and South Africa

• United States, Japan, France, India, and Europe

How do the instruments on the GPM Core Observatory function similarly to medical tools?

• They use radar and radiometer like X-rays and CAT scans to analyze precipitation.

• They use sound waves to measure wind speed.

• They use lasers to cut through clouds.

• They use thermal imaging to detect temperature changes.