are planted while they ’ re being planted . On other farms , drones help collect specific data . They fly over fields to help measure things like plant height and field performance while rovers assist in the data-collection process . Using advanced precision technology , farmers crunch data collected through sensors that suggests seeds to use and optimal planting strategies , and even minimizes environmental impact .
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SPACE MAPPING THE OCEAN
Space mapping uses relevant existing knowledge to speed up model generation and design optimization of a system . Scientists are learning about the weather and its patterns by studying the ocean from above . Using remote sensing data and computer models , these scientists can see how the oceans affect the evolution of weather , hurricanes , and climate .
As they heat and cool , they humidify and dry the air and control wind speed and direction . Being able to see and analyze this through Big Data gives scientists better prediction modeling , which in turn , helps us better prepare for “ weather events .”
THE PACIFIC “ BLOB ”
“ The Blob ” is the name given to a large mass of warm water in the Pacific Ocean . In late 2013 , scientists found that the temperature in the Gulf o f Alaska was warmer than usual . Then , warmer waters started appearing off the west coast of the United States . The warming continued along the California coast and other parts of the Pacific during most of 2015 and into 2016 . In some places , temperatures were more than 10 ° F above average .
A team of scientists has mapped the Blob from space using data from multiple satellites from several countries . They traced the changes in temperature and wind on the Pacific Ocean ’ s surface from 2014 to 2016 to try and better understand the Blob ’ s impact on sea life . During 2013 to 2016 there were unexpected die-offs in California sea lions , Guadalupe fur seals , and a toxic algae bloom that spanned the entire west coast . It ’ s amazing to think that a piece of software from space can tell us what ’ s happening on our ocean floors .
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10 | CURRENT SPRING 2017