Earth Observation of Global Change : The Role of Satellite Remote Sensing in Monitoring the Global Environment

Global Change is increasingly considered a critical topic in environmental research. Remote sensing methods provide a relevant tool to monitor global variables, since they offer a systematic coverage of the Earth Surface, at different spatial, spectral and temporal resolutions. The data provided by Earth Observation Satellites are being operationally used for monitoring atmospheric conditions, ice sheets and glaciar movements, crop dynamism and land use changes, deforestation and desertification processes, as well as water conditions. The book includes an analysis of the leading missions in global Earth observation, and then reviews the main fields in which remote sensing methods are providing vital data for global change studies. Audience: Academic libraries, practitioners, professionals, scientists, researchers, lecturers, tutors, graduates, undergraduates Global Change is increasingly considered a critical topic in environmental research. Remote sensing methods provide a relevant tool to monitor global variables, since they offer a systematic coverage of the Earth Surface, at different spatial, spectral and temporal resolutions. The data provided by Earth Observation Satellites are being operationally used for monitoring atmospheric conditions, ice sheets and glacier movements, crop dynamics and land use changes, deforestation and desertification processes, as well as water conditions. The book includes an analysis of the leading missions in global Earth observation, and then reviews the main fields in which remote sensing methods are providing vital data for global change studies Contents......Page 6 1. International Efforts on Global Change Research......Page 11 2. NASA Earth Observation Satellite Missions for Global Change Research......Page 32 3. The Role of the European Space Agency in Global Change Observations......Page 57 4. Ozone in the Atmosphere......Page 66 5. Remote Sensing of Land-Cover and Land-Use Dynamics......Page 92 6. Satellite Observation of Biomass Burning......Page 116 7. Satellites Oceans Observation in Relation to Global Change......Page 150 8. Observing SurfaceWaters for Global Change Applications......Page 176 9. Remote Sensing of Terrestrial Snow and Ice for Global Change Studies......Page 195 E......Page 226 N......Page 227 W......Page 228 Global Change is increasingly considered a critical topic in environmental research. Remote sensing methods provide a useful tool to monitor global variables, since they provide a systematic coverage of the Earth’s surface, at different spatial, spectral and temporal resolutions. This book offers an analysis of the leading missions in global Earth observation, and reviews the main fields in which remote sensing methods are providing vital data for global change studies.