Satellite-derived snow and ice cover in climate diagnostics studies

Satellite-derived estimates of snow and sea-ice area have been produced weekly on an operational basis for over a decade. This paper presents a synopsis of recent climate research and climate diagnostics studies using these data at the National Weather Service's Climate Analysis Center (CAC). Currently available satellite products are evaluated in light of these studies and a set of desired characteristics for future satellite products are discussed.     

Technical trends in the future

On the day that Raytheon bought Hughes Electronics, A.N. Chester described how aerospace executives evaluate options for research programs. Their objective is to develop products that have value after the planned work is completed. Big changes are taking place in the environment in which a new commercial product must succeed. By “environment” means the official and unofficial rules created by social pressures, government decisions, industrial activity, and financial activity