GEMS: A Revolutionary System for Environmental Monitoring

This paper describes a revolutionary, new observing system designed for environmental monitoring that will integrate MicroElectroMechanicalSystems (MEMS) and nanotechnologies. The concept, known as Global Environmental MEMS Sensors (GEMS), features an integrated system of airborne probes that will remain suspended in the atmosphere for hours to days and take measurements as they are carried by wind currents. Previous efforts focused on defining the major feasibility issues associated with system design and development in the decadal time frame. The current 2-year project focuses on studying the major feasibility issues including costs/benefits and developing a technology roadmap.