What's Happening?
NASA has released Amendment 34 to the Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) 2025, inviting proposals for the Landslide Change Characterization Experiment (LACCE) Science Team. This
initiative aims to build a comprehensive team to conduct airborne and ground-based measurements, data processing, analysis, and modeling related to slow-moving, deep-seated landslides. These landslides are influenced by seasonal and inter-annual precipitation variability, as well as debuttressing from river erosion, wave erosion, and ice retreat. The final text for the LACCE Science Team was released on January 12, 2025, with mandatory Notices of Intent due by February 27, 2026, and full proposals by April 14, 2026. The announcement is part of NASA's ongoing efforts to enhance understanding of Earth sciences and address environmental challenges.
Why It's Important?
The LACCE Science Team's work is crucial for advancing the understanding of landslide dynamics, which have significant implications for environmental management and disaster preparedness. By focusing on the factors controlling landslide motion, the research could lead to improved predictive models and risk assessments, benefiting communities vulnerable to landslide hazards. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change and natural disasters, potentially influencing public policy and resource allocation. The data and insights generated could also support infrastructure planning and conservation efforts, making it a valuable endeavor for both scientific and practical applications.
What's Next?
Following the proposal submission deadlines, NASA will evaluate the submissions to select a team capable of executing the LACCE project. The selected team will then embark on detailed research activities, including field measurements and data analysis. The outcomes of this research could inform future NASA missions and collaborations with other scientific and governmental organizations. Stakeholders, including environmental agencies and local governments, may engage with the findings to enhance their disaster response strategies and land-use planning.
