GSSF: NASA joins Emirati scientists to study desert conditions in UAE

The work of NASA and a number of Emirati interns who looked at desert conditions in the region will be highlighted on day three of the Global Space and Satellite Forum (GSSF).
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The event, which focuses on education and training, will also include a live satellite link-up from the GSSF to NASA's Ames Research Center in the USA.

Each year NASA Ames Research Center's Spaceward Bound scientific team selects one desert internationally and for 2011 the Arab Youth Venture Foundation (AYVF) and NASA collaborated to conduct this research in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
 
While in UAE, the research team studied the surface transitions and microbial life from the sandy dunes and desert pavement (gravel surfaces) in the areas of Al Ain and Al Gharbia.
 
The strong fog in the area, along with the microbial communities in the Sabkha (salt marshes) along the coast, were also studied. These conditions could be similar to those encountered in the early life of the planet Mars.
 
Lisa LaBonte, CEO of AYVF, said, "In organising Spaceward Bound 2011, a key feature of the program enabled us to augment NASA's scientific team with leading scientists from the Arab world.”
 
"Spaceward Bound is an outstanding NASA education programme that brings together NASA scientists and science teachers," said Pete S. Worden, centre director of NASA Ames Research Center, Silicon Valley, California. "It's a great opportunity for classroom teachers to participate in real field studies to enhance their research experience and skills."
 
Founded in 2007, the Arab Youth Venture Foundation (www.ayvf.org ) is a UAE-based non-profit organisation that creates a variety of programmes aimed at engaging and inspiring Emirati and Arab youth across science/technology, literacy, and art/design.