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Thermal and Radar Overview

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Coral Reef Remote Sensing

Abstract

This chapter presents an overview of the remote sensing technologies that measure sea surface temperature (SST) based on emitted radiation (passive sensors), as well as the suite of properties that are measured using transmitting radar systems (active sensors). Remote sensing of these parameters is undertaken using the infrared, microwave and radio-wave regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. The overview describes the underlying physics for each remote sensing technique, presents issues that influence the acquisition of various parameters, and describes the environmental variables that can be monitored. Chapters 12 and 13 then describe the applications for coral reefs of thermal and radar remote sensing, respectively.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank William Skirving for advice in the initial layout for this chapter, and Al Strong for helpful comments during the review process. The manuscript contents are solely the opinions of the authors and do not constitute a statement of policy, decision, or position on behalf of NOAA or the US Government.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Coral Reef Watch, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 675 Ross River Rd, Townsville, Queensland, 4817, Australia

    Scott F. Heron

  2. Marine Geophysical Laboratory, Physics Department, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia

    Scott F. Heron

  3. Marine Geophysical Laboratory, School of Environmental and Earth Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia

    Malcolm L. Heron

  4. Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Queensland, 4810, Australia

    Malcolm L. Heron

  5. Center for Satellite Applications and Research, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NCWCP, E/RA3, Room 3229, 5830 University Research Ct, College Park, MD, 30740-3818, USA

    William G. Pichel

Authors
  1. Scott F. Heron
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  2. Malcolm L. Heron
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  3. William G. Pichel
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Scott F. Heron .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, Mayagüez, 00681, Puerto Rico

    James A. Goodman

  2. Oceanographic Center, National Coral Reef Institute, Nova Southeastern University, N. Ocean Drive 8000, Dania Beach, 33004, Florida, USA

    Samuel J. Purkis

  3. School of Geography, Planning, and Environmental Management, University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072, Queensland, Australia

    Stuart R. Phinn

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Heron, S.F., Heron, M.L., Pichel, W.G. (2013). Thermal and Radar Overview. In: Goodman, J., Purkis, S., Phinn, S. (eds) Coral Reef Remote Sensing. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-9292-2_11

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