The aquatic coastal zone is one of the most challenging targets for
environmental remote sensing. Properties such as bottom reflectance,
spectrally diverse suspended sediments and phytoplankton communities,
diverse benthic communities, and transient events that affect surface
reflectance (coastal blooms, runoff, etc.) all combine to produce an
optical complexity not seen in terrestrial or open ocean systems.
Despite this complexity, remote sensing is proving to be an invaluable
tool for "Case 2" waters. This book presents recent advances in coastal
remote sensing with an emphasis on applied science and management. Case
studies of the operational use of remote sensing in ecosystem studies,
monitoring, and interfacing remote sensing/science/management are
presented. Spectral signatures of phytoplankton and suspended sediments
are discussed in detail with accompanying discussion of why blue water
(Case 1) algorithms cannot be applied to Case 2 waters.
Audience
This book is targeted for scientists and managers interested in using
remote sensing in the study or management of aquatic coastal
environments. With only limited discussion of optics and theory
presented in the book, such researchers might benefit from the detailed
presentations of aquatic spectral signatures, and to operational
management issues. While not specifically written for remote sensing
scientists, it will prove to be a useful reference for this community
for the current status of aquatic coastal remote sensing.
