Host Dave Schlom checks out the findings from a new NASA instrument flying aboard the International Space Station called ECOSTRESS. The instrument provides data on how water (and the lack thereof) is affecting our planet's vegetation and soils. Guests are Principal Investigator Simon Hook and Science Lead Kerry Cawse-Nicholson. They explain the science and the practical applications, which are especially beneficial for assessing wildfire risk and agricultural water use.
In the second half of the show, we focus on Mono Lake and how it is being pummeled by both the drought and the drawing off of water from its tributary streams by the city of Los Angeles.
San Francisco Chronicle environment reporter Kurtis Alexander talks about his investigation of how alkali dust, being exposed as the lake level drops, is leading to some of the worst air pollutions in the nation and Mono Lake Committee Executive Director explains some of the environmental challenges being faced by the ancient, saline eastern Sierra lake.
