Satellite signals can measure a forest’s moisture—and its ability to survive

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https://www.science.org/content/article/satellite-signals-can-measure-forest-s-moisture-and-its-ability-survive

By SEAN CUMMINGS, Eos/AGU. 

Excerpt: The same radio signals that enable your smartphone to pinpoint your location may also reveal how much water a forest holds within its foliage. By measuring how much GPS satellite signals weakened as they passed through a forest canopy, researchers were able to estimate the canopy’s water content. Experts say the technique, which uses a simple setup of two GPS receivers, could provide a simple and affordable way to track a forest’s water content. ...it could provide useful data to researchers trying to figure out how forests will fare under climate change.... 

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