This unprecedented observational ability can expand our perspective of the global environment to the benefit of everyone. This Goddard-managed payload is monitoring global chlorophyll A in the oceans once every two days. SeaWiFS is producing data at a rate unequaled in the history of oceanographic remote sensing, providing scientists with a nearly comprehensive global view of the oceans. Another part of the quest to study the Earth is measuring rainfall. Rainfall is perhaps the most important factor in defining climate.
Excess rainfall can cause flooding and enormous property and crop damage.
On the other hand, a lack of rainfall means droughts and crop failure. Rainfall is also a major source of energy that drives the circulation of the atmosphere. Surprisingly, tropical rainfall comprises more than two-thirds of global rainfall. TRMM is the first mission dedicated to measuring tropical and subtropical rainfall through microwave and visible infrared sensors, and includes the first spaceborne rain radar. These new measurements will increase our knowledge of how rainfall releases heat energy to drive atmospheric circulation.