MODIS (or Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) is a key instrument aboard the Terra (originally known as EOS AM-1) and Aqua (originally known as EOS PM-1) satellites. Terra's orbit around the Earth is timed so that it passes from north to south across the equator in the morning, while Aqua passes south to north over the equator in the afternoon. Terra MODIS and Aqua MODIS are viewing the entire Earth's surface every 1 to 2 days, acquiring data in 36 spectral bands, or groups of wavelengths (see MODIS Technical Specifications).
This first state of the environment report for the Pacific region uses regional environment indicators to assess the status, trends, and data quality and availability for the endorsed Pacific environmental priorities. This report also includes an update of the State of Conservation in Oceania report produced in 2013, which was endorsed and published in 2017.
This report focuses on addressing the critical challenges of sustainable water resources management on Tutuila, the main island in the Territory of American Samoa. It presents an updated conceptual hydrogeological model of the island's groundwater and surface water resources by integrating existing hydrological information with recently acquired subsurface datasets, shedding light on the complex nature of Tutuila's hydrogeology, which varies significantly across different locations on the island.