Sinkholes are not just a Florida phenomenon but can occur in any of the 50 U.S. states. Some sinkholes will experience relatively small ground movement prior to their abrupt collapse - NISAR imaging will enable detection of some cases where movement started days before collapse.

Fires are crucial to many ecosystems, yet often threaten developed urban areas, protected lands and regional air quality. Categorizing fire danger, detecting fires, identifying area burned and quantifying the severity of fires is critical for mitigating the impacts of fire.

Every year, emergency responders work to prevent hundreds of oil and chemical spills from harming people and the environment. Rapid identification of spilled oil in the vast open waters of the oceans and gulf is key to minimizing damage, and radar remote sensing can provide the necessary information.