NASA | Aquarius Returns Global Maps of Soil Moisture

The video discusses soil moisture and its response to seasonal changes. It introduces the Aquarius satellite, launched in 2011 by NASA and Argentina, primarily to measure ocean salinity. The satellite also aids in monitoring soil moisture, which is crucial for weather forecasts, climate models, and predicting droughts and floods. The upcoming SMAP satellite will further enhance soil moisture measurements.

What is the primary focus of the Aquarius instrument launched in 2011?

• Measuring ocean surface salinity

• Measuring soil moisture

• Tracking weather patterns

• Monitoring air quality

Which two organizations collaborated to build the Aquarius SACD satellite?

• NASA and JAXA

• NASA and ISRO

• NASA and Argentina's space agency

• NASA and ESA

What additional capability was developed for the Aquarius satellite besides measuring salinity?

• Monitoring soil moisture

• Tracking wildlife

• Observing solar flares

• Measuring atmospheric pressure

Why are soil moisture measurements important?

• They are used to measure ocean currents

• They improve weather forecasts and climate models

• They help in predicting volcanic eruptions

• They assist in tracking migratory birds

What is the SMAP satellite's role in relation to Aquarius?

• To monitor air pollution

• To enhance soil moisture measurements

• To replace Aquarius

• To measure ocean depth