An Introduction to Ocean Remote Sensing

Originally published in 2004, An Introduction to Ocean Remote Sensing describes the use of satellite data in the retrieval of oceanic physical and biological properties. It gives examples of the kinds of data that can be acquired and describes their oceanographic application. It also describes national and international programs in satellite oceanography. The book covers radiative transfer, ocean surface properties, satellite orbits, instruments and methods, visible remote sensing of biological properties, infrared sea surface temperature retrieval, passive microwave measurements, scatterometer wind retrieval, altimetry and SAR. Newer techniques, such as polarimetric passive microwave radiometers and SARs, interferometric radar altimetry and sea surface salinity retrieval are also discussed. This textbook is designed for graduate and senior undergraduate courses in satellite oceanography, and will prepare students and interested scientists to use satellite data in oceanographic research. Review of the hardback: '... the most complete textbook I have seen on the subject ... This is a 'must-have' book for anyone interested in remote sensing of the ocean ... I highly recommend it for those teaching the subject.' The Limnology and Oceanography Bulletin Review of the hardback: '... because of the book's completeness and its thorough references it should remain a valuable reference on ocean remote sensing for years to come.' Eos, Transactions, American Geophysical Union Review of the hardback: '... a splendid candidate for filling the gap in coverage. ... I loved the early encounter with the listings of symbols, abbreviations, and acronyms and the pattern of listing references and recommendations for additional reading at the conclusion of each chapter, all of which are valuable features of the book. ... The material is easy to read and understand, current, well referenced, and sufficient to provide any student with a working knowledge of the important applications of these observations. ... An Introduction to Ocean Remote Sensing is an excellent book that helps fill a gap in most remote sensing textbooks by relating ocean remote sensing science and satellite technologies to real-world applications. ... I expect this book will enjoy widespread use within college and university ocean remote sensing curricula. I would have certainly put it to good use back in my faculty days and am glad to have it now as a ready reference.' Marine Technology Society JournalPreface; 1. Background; 2. Ocean surface phenomena; 3. Electromagnetic radiation; 4. Atmospheric properties and radiative transfer; 5. Reflection, transmission and absorption at the atmosphere/ocean interface; 6. Ocean color; 7. Infrared observations of sea surface temperature (SST); 8. Introduction to microwave imagers; 9. Passive microwave observations of the atmosphere and ocean surface; 10. Introduction to radars; 11. Scatterometer observations; 12. The altimeter; 13. Imaging radars; 14. Future oceanographic satellite systems: 2003 to 2019; Appendixes; References; Index.