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Satellite Will Measure Climate Change

A satellite that will be used to gauge the effects of climate change was launched today from Vandenberg Air Force Base on California's central coast. KPBS reporter Ed Joyce has details.

( Image : The OSTM/Jason-2 spacecraft separates from the Delta II rocket's second stage after an on-time liftoff from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. Photo credit: NASA TV.  Watch the video .)

A satellite that will be used to gauge the effects of climate change was launched today from Vandenberg Air Force Base on California's central coast. KPBS reporter Ed Joyce has details.

A Delta II rocket launched the satellite just after midnight.

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Josh Willis is an oceanographer at Pasadena's Jet Propulsion Lab.

He says the satellite will precisely measure sea-surface heights or ocean topography.

Willis: The satellite is 830 miles out in space and it can measure the surface of the ocean with an accuracy roughly equivalent to the size of a quarter.

Willis says the satellite will be used to measure the effects of climate change...work that started in 1992.

He says precise measurement of sea-surface heights is an effective method of gauging heat and solar energy in the deep ocean.

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Willis: Because the satellite measures both of these things it's really one of the most key measurements we have of how much of an impact we've had on the Earth's climate.

Willis says the satellite will also improve weather and climate forecasting.

Ed Joyce, KPBS News.