Regional satellite oceanography

Abstract

The principal objective of this book is to introduce a new interdisciplinary science comprising remote sensing and oceanography - regional satellite oceanography (RSO). Satellite imagery in visible, infrared and microwave bands and side-looking radar images will be shown to be a reliable source of scientific and managerial information for the oceanography of regional seas, environmental monitoring of coastal zones and marine-oriented elements of the national economy, provided that the satellite data are properly processed together with relevant in situ data, and the results are presented in formats suitable for end-users. The book contains five main chapters: the first three chapters cover the interaction between oceanography and remote sensing, information used in RSO, and methodological aspects; the fourth chapter provides a brief review of world activities covered by the term RSO; and the final chapter presents results of a more detailed case study of the Baltic Sea, with a forecast of the future development of the activities in 'Baltic Europe' in the European context.