Select a topic from the categories on the right to see typical films and animations produced by the Science Communication and Visualization department.
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Measurements by the TROPOMI instrument on the Copernicus satellite Sentinel-5 Precursor (S5p) continue the long time series of European measurements that began back in 1995 with GOME (Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment) on ERS2. Based on the S5p measurements, the size of the ozone hole over Antarctica can be estimated. On September 25th 2022, the area is about 22 million square kilometers.
Credit: DLR (CC-BY 3.0).
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Credit: DLR (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0).
Latest data of the lithospheric magnetic field by Swarm (ESA mission to study the Earth's magnetic field) shows detailed variations in this field more precisely than previous satellite-based reconstructions, caused by geological structures in Earth’s crust.
Computer models developed at DLR simulating the energy system enable statements to be made about the optimal energy mix or the appropriate use of storage, load management and the expansion of power networks.
The polar regions act as a barometer for climate change. To get an idea of how much sea ice there is in the Arctic Ocean a small calculation can be made in terms of Eiffel Towers.
Crucial infrastructure such as ships, oil platforms and offshore wind farms are threatened by rough seas. Satellites allow for the detection and forecast of extreme wave heights.
Copernicus satellite data help model prevalence and spread of malaria as well as the likelihood of disease outbreaks.
Visualization of a simulated particle field in an airflow swirled by an aircraft.
Floods in Central Europe have caused widespread damage. Such events are likely to increase. Maps based on satellite data help national emergency services to plan their response.
Radar satellites measure surface movement in millimetres. Data from the new Sentinel-1 satellite will help to establish area-wide continuous monitoring to reveal processes below Earth’s surface.
The quality of Europe’s in-land water bodies is under pressure. Earth observation satellites help to develop a harmonized monitoring system across Europe.
Observations based on high resolution satellite data provide base information for city planning and for a sustainable development of urban regions.
Monitoring and forecasting air quality is important for human health. GMES/Copernicus supplies accurate information about the state of the atmosphere, both regionally and across Europe.
With the future of forests a global concern, sustainable management practices are increasingly urgent. GMES/Copernicus supplies accurate, timely and readily available information on the state of this precious resource.
Radar satellites and the upcoming Sentinel missions provide data to monitor and respond to oil spills.
K2 is one of the most famous 8000+ mountains. Here is a 3D animation computed from satellite imagery and digital elevation models based on SAR interferometry.
Satellites such as Envisat with its optical MERIS sensor allow forest fires to be carefully monitored and mapped.
Providing passage to more than 2000 large vessels every day, the Baltic Sea is the busiest ice-covered sea in the world.
Time series of Arctic sea ice concentration in September from 1978 to 2010.
Modeled data based on satellite measurements show the annual variations in Europe's vegetation.
While the GOME-2 and Sciamachy instruments continue long-term monitoring of stratospheric ozone, the GMES Sentinel-4 and -5 missions will ensure atmospheric monitoring in the years ahead.
Radar data - like what will be delivered from the first GMES satellite - will provide the means to continuously monitor ground movement.
The animation shows the sunburn time for different skin types, derived from ozone data recorded by the Gome 2 instrument.
This simulation of oceanic water drainage reveals the sea surface topography and plate tectonics of the Earth.
Originally one of the four largest lakes in the world, the Aral Sea has been continuously shrinking since the 1960s due to intense farming in the south.
Air quality assessment requires the monitoring of ground level particulate matter. The concentration over Europe in October 2007 is derived from ENVISAT-SCIAMACHY data.
ESA's GOCE satellite is gathering data to map Earth's gravity field with unrivalled precision. The animation shows the earth’s surface as gravity equipotentials, the geoid.
More than 80% of Earth's surface has been influenced and modified by mankind. The maps reveal the different levels of human impact and the remaining Wild.
The increase of air traffic has a growing impact on Earth’s atmosphere. Under certain meteorological conditions contrails may substantially reduce incident solar radiation.
Atmospheric concentration of NO2 is coupled with industrial activity. The day-by-day weekly variation shows a weekend decrease in Europe and the USA, but not in East Asia
Extensive tropical rainforests have been cleared in the Amazon region of Rondonia, Brazil to enable agricultural use.
The Normalized Differential Vegetation Index NDVI is a measure for biomass. The NDVI time-series (1998-2003) is computed from satellite recordings in the visible-red and near-infrared bands.