The NASA EOSDIS Role in Providing Science Support for Natural Hazards

The Earth Observation System Data and Information System (EOSDIS) data centers process, archive, and distribute satellite data from Earth science missions. Although EOSDIS was designed to ensure that scientists and the public have access to data to advance scientific understanding, the data centers have done considerable work supporting the study and response to natural hazards such as floods, fires, mudslides and severe weather. Recent disasters from flooding in Burma and Iowa, earthquakes in China, fires in California, and hurricane damage in the Caribbean and southeastern US illustrate ways in which the NASA data are used to show the physical nature and geographic extent of the risks and hazards. We believe the inherent geospatial view of NASA satellite data could give response and preparedness organizers an important tool for communicating these risks and hazards to local communities. We will highlight the NASA EOSDIS sources and types of data used in recent collaborations and ongoing efforts to show the effects of natural hazards.