Final answer:
The term 'Big Data' refers to the immense volumes of data now available due to technological advancements. This data is processed and analyzed using supercomputers and advanced computer algorithms, affecting many fields including astronomy and agriculture.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that expresses that we now have huge amounts of data available is Big Data. This phenomenon has been driven by technological advancements, allowing for the collection, storage, and analysis of data in volumes that were unimaginable just a few decades ago. For example, The Sloan Digital Sky Survey collected data at a rate of 8 megabytes per second, resulting in over 15 terabytes of data by the end of the project. This level of data accumulation has necessitated the development of supercomputers and advanced computer algorithms to manage and interpret the vast pools of information efficiently.
In fields like astronomy, dealing with Big Data is a formidable challenge, but also provides unparalleled opportunities for discovery. The Sloan Survey's use of citizen science through the 'Galaxy Zoo' project showcases an innovative way to process and categorize massive datasets with the help of crowdsourcing. Likewise, in agriculture, farmers utilize extensive data streams from GPS, weather services, and past yield data to make informed decisions that were previously based on limited information from sources like the Farmer's Almanac.
Whether it's organizing vast libraries of digital information equivalent to the Library of Congress or aiding farmers in maximizing crop production, Big Data plays a crucial role in the information age by providing powerful insights that were previously inaccessible.