Bolivian Salt Flats Aid Spacecraft Calibration

PCOL writes "Salar de Uyuni is a vast plain of white salt in the mountains of Bolivia, with a total elevation range of less than 80 centimeters - the flattest place on earth. Beginning in 2002, geophysicist Adrian Borsa led a survey that resulted in precise GPS measurements of the salt flat. The flats will be used as a giant calibration device for satellite-based radar and laser altimeters on the CryoSat recovery mission so the spacecraft can more precisely monitor changes in the elevation and thickness of polar ice sheets and floating sea ice. 'Satellites can calibrate their altimeters by bouncing signals off the ocean surface .. because of atmospheric interference, tides and waves, there are uncertainties. Borsa says the salar, now so accurately mapped and with dry, clear skies, is about five times better than the ocean as a reference point.'"

Comments

i've got a bad feeling about this...

[User 956]

Bolivian Salt Flats Aid Spacecraft Calibration

Many Bolivians died to bring us this information.

In other words...

[fahrbot-bot]

Satellites can calibrate their altimeters by bouncing signals off the ocean surface .. because of atmospheric interference, tides and waves, there are uncertainties.

Ocean measurement have to be taken with a grain of salt, but these - oh wait.

Tag

[Hemogoblin]

Only on Slashdot would a story about "calibration of equipment using saltflats" be tagged as ReallyFuckingCool. :D

Re:Google Maps Link

[TempeTerra]

Salar de Uyuni is a vast plain of white salt in the mountains of Bolivia

Hi res satellite image