Mapping Maryland’s Agricultural Climate Vulnerability with Satellite Observations

Farmers in Maryland are increasingly challenged by climate-related threats such as shifting weather patterns, sea level rise, saltwater intrusion into aquifers, and intensifying heat waves. In addition to these challenges, Maryland’s robust environmental protection policies impact the decisions farmers make in running their farms. At the intersection of climate change, regulatory frameworks, and food production, improving access to reliable data and analysis is essential for informed decision-making for farmers, policymakers, and industry. This seminar will explore the ways spatial data analysis, climate models, and satellite data are being used to create actionable information. Applications of these tools include monitoring crop yields and soil moisture, tracking land use change over time, examining trends in rainfall, temperature, and extreme weather, and evaluating the efficacy of sustainable agricultural practices.