DESDynI - A NASA Mission for Ecosystems, Solid Earth, and Cryosphere Science

Abstract

The National Research Council’s Decadal Survey for Earth Science [1] identified the Deformation, Ecosystem Structure, and Dynamics of Ice (DESDynI) mission among the highest priorities for new NASA Earth missions. DESDynI consists of an L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar configured for repeat-pass interferometric observations (InSAR), and a nadir pointing lidar suitable for vegetation canopy structure characterization. DESDynI addresses many of the scientific objectives assigned high priority by the decadal survey. It will measure the height and structure of forests, changes in carbon storage in vegetation, ice sheet deformation and dynamics, and changes in Earth’s surface and the movement of magma. These measurements will improve our understanding of the affects of changing climate and land use on species habitats and atmospheric CO2. DESDynI measurements will also facilitate the monitoring of species habitats, understanding the response of ice sheets to climate change and the impact on sea level, and forecasting the likelihood of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and landslides. Analyses are underway to evaluate efficient combinations of science objectives and mission/instrument scenarios. This paper will focus on the InSAR technology and observational trades that affect the science return, together with and separately from the lidar.