NASA | Satellite Shows High Productivity From U.S. Corn Belt

A study confirms the Midwest as a highly productive region using a novel method of estimating plant productivity from space. This method involves measuring chlorophyll fluorescence, a faint glow emitted by plants during photosynthesis, detectable by satellites. Initially demonstrated by NASA in 2013, this technique is now applied globally to assess crop productivity.

Which region is highlighted as one of the most productive on Earth?

• The Amazon Rainforest

• The Sahara Desert

• The Australian Outback

• The Midwest

What is the new method used to estimate plant productivity from space?

• Infrared Imaging

• Thermal Mapping

• Ultraviolet Scanning

• Chlorophyll Fluorescence Data

What does chlorophyll fluorescence measure?

• The heat emitted by plants

• The sound produced by plants

• The amount of light emitted during photosynthesis

• The water absorption rate of plants

Who led the team that demonstrated the mapping of plant fluorescence using satellite data?

• NASA scientists

• Indian Space Research Organisation

• European Space Agency

• Russian Cosmonauts

What is the current application of the plant fluorescence measurements?

• To track animal migration

• To assess global crop productivity

• To monitor ocean currents

• To measure air pollution levels