ESA’s Biomass Mission to Map Global Forests

The European Space Agency (ESA) is set to launch its Biomass mission on April 29, 2025. This mission aims to enhance our understanding of the world’s forests and their role in the carbon cycle. The satellite will be launched from French Guiana aboard a Vega C rocket. It will operate in a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of approximately 666 km. This mission is part of ESA’s Earth Explorer programme, which focuses on observing various aspects of Earth’s systems.

Objectives

The primary objective of the Biomass mission is to fill the knowledge gap regarding forest biomass and height data across the globe. Forests play important role in the carbon cycle, absorbing about 16 billion metric tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. However, there is lack of data on above-ground biomass. This mission will provide critical vital information about forest health, diversity, and carbon storage.

Importance of Forest Monitoring

Forests are vital for maintaining ecological balance. In 2023, the world lost 3.7 million hectares of tropical forests, contributing to approximately six percent of global carbon dioxide emissions. The Biomass mission will help scientists assess the impact of deforestation and climate change on carbon levels. It will create three-dimensional images of forests, measuring the quality and quantity of vegetation.

Technology Used in the Mission

The Biomass satellite will employ a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology operating in the long-wave P-band frequency range. This unique capability allows the satellite to penetrate forest canopies, providing detailed data on carbon stored in trees and the forest floor. The satellite will feature a large 12 m antenna that will be deployed to enhance its mapping capabilities.

Broader Impact of the Mission

Beyond forest monitoring, the Biomass mission will also observe ice sheet movements in Antarctica and create digital models of densely vegetated terrains. This comprehensive data collection will contribute to a better understanding of global climate dynamics and environmental changes.

Earth Explorer Programme

The Earth Explorer programme includes various missions aimed at gathering essential data about Earth’s systems. This programme has launched several satellites since its inception. The first mission, the Gravity field and steady-state Ocean Circulation Explorer (GOCE), initiated in 2009, focused on ocean circulation and Earth’s interior. The most recent mission, Earth Cloud Aerosol and Radiation Explorer (EarthCARE), launched in May 2024, aims to improve understanding of Earth’s radiative balance.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically discuss the role of forests in the global carbon cycle and their impact on climate change.
2. Examine the technological advancements in satellite imaging and their significance in environmental monitoring.
3. Estimate the implications of deforestation on biodiversity and carbon emissions in the context of global warming.
4. Point out the contributions of the Earth Explorer programme to our understanding of climate and environmental dynamics.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically discuss the role of forests in the global carbon cycle and their impact on climate change.

1. Forests absorb approximately 16 billion metric tonnes of CO2 annually, mitigating climate change effects.
2. They store around 861 gigatonnes of carbon, acting as critical carbon sinks.
3. Deforestation contributes to about 6% of global carbon emissions, exacerbating climate change.
4. Healthy forests enhance biodiversity, which supports ecosystem resilience against climate impacts.
5. Monitoring forest health through missions like Biomass is essential for understanding carbon fluxes and climate dynamics.

2. Examine the technological advancements in satellite imaging and their significance in environmental monitoring.

1. Satellite imaging technology, particularly synthetic aperture radar (SAR), allows for detailed mapping of Earth’s surface.
2. P-band SAR penetrates forest canopies, providing accurate data on biomass and carbon storage.
3. Advancements in satellite technology enhance the ability to monitor changes in ecosystems over time.
4. High-resolution imaging supports disaster management, resource monitoring, and climate research.
5. Innovations in satellite technology enable real-time data collection, improving response to environmental changes.

3. Estimate the implications of deforestation on biodiversity and carbon emissions in the context of global warming.

1. Deforestation leads to habitat loss, threatening species and reducing biodiversity.
2. It contributes to increased carbon emissions, with loss of carbon storage capacity in forests.
3. The loss of forests affects local climates and weather patterns, further exacerbating global warming.
4. Deforestation disrupts ecosystems, leading to imbalances and increased vulnerability to climate change.
5. Restoration and sustainable management of forests are critical to mitigating these impacts and enhancing carbon sequestration.

4. Point out the contributions of the Earth Explorer programme to our understanding of climate and environmental dynamics.

1. The Earth Explorer programme provides essential data on various Earth systems, enhancing climate research.
2. Missions like GOCE and EarthCARE have advanced our understanding of ocean circulation and atmospheric processes.
3. The programme supports the development of models to predict climate change impacts and environmental trends.
4. It encourages international collaboration in Earth observation and environmental monitoring initiatives.
5. Data from the programme aids in policy-making for climate action and resource management.