The Southern African Regional Science Initiative (SAFARI 2000) News Media Guide is now available at: http://www.gsfc.nasa.gov/gsfc/earth/environ/safari2000.htm

SAFARI 2000 brings together African, U.S. and international scientists in a multidisciplinary effort to study the sustainability of the region's sensitive and pressured ecosystems. The most intensive research activity of the campaign will be a six-week period in August and September. Journalists are invited to cover the scientific fieldwork from the base of airborne operations in Pietersburg, South Africa, where the most concentrated activity will be August 16-29.

This intensive August field campaign will study the complex interaction of air pollution, ecosystems and biomass burning across the southern half of the African continent. SAFARI 2000 includes research flights by NASA's ER-2 high-altitude aircraft and observations from several NASA spacecraft (Terra, Landsat 7 and SeaWiFS). NASA's contribution also includes aircraft and balloon measurements, observation towers and collaborative research with African scientists. NASA's Earth Observing System program is the primary U.S. sponsor.

Goddard Space Flight Center
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