The tropical regions of the Earth play a crucial role in the evolution of the global thermodynamic surface-atmosphere system, and in the socio-ecological processes on our planet. The well known clichés describing the tropics as "the firebox of the atmosphere" and "the lungs of the planet" are not exaggerations. The principle purposes of this book are to demonstrate the unique capabilities of modern remote sensing techniques for the observation and monitoring of tropical ecosystems, and to substantiate the scientific rationale for studies of the Earth?s tropical regions. In the first part of this book, the author places particular emphasis on specific features of low-latitude conditions, such as tropical cyclones, mesoscale tropical systems, dynamical features in tropical oceans, and the temperature and humidity structure of the tropical atmosphere. Remote sensing of the tropics in the visual and infrared bands is severely limited by cloud cover, and for this reason microwave remote sensing is of great importance for observations of tropical systems. In the second part of this book, the author considers the basic principles of microwave sounding, and the role of both passive and active remote sensing methods for tropical ecosystem monitoring. He presents examples of applications in areas such as rainforest monitoring, crop mapping, population distribution, hydrology studies and the monitoring of biomass burning and active geodetic zones. The book concludes with a synopsis of the current status of operational satellite systems and future plans for tropical studies using remote sensing. Readership: Undergraduate and postgraduate students of geography, meteorology, climatology, atmospheric physics, geophysics, oceanography, tropical agriculture and environmental science. Professional scientists, environmentalists and engineers concerned with tropical ecosystems, and government agencies and industries involved with management, planning and hazard assessment in tropical regions.

The tropical regions of the Earth play a crucial role in the evolution of the global thermodynamic surface-atmosphere system, and in the socio-ecological processes on our planet. The well known clichés describing the tropics as "the firebox of the atmosphere" and "the lungs of the planet" are not exaggerations. The principle purposes of this book are to demonstrate the unique capabilities of modern remote sensing techniques for the observation and monitoring of tropical ecosystems, and to substantiate the scientific rationale for studies of the Earth?s tropical regions. In the first part of this book, the author places particular emphasis on specific features of low-latitude conditions, such as tropical cyclones, mesoscale tropical systems, dynamical features in tropical oceans, and the temperature and humidity structure of the tropical atmosphere. Remote sensing of the tropics in the visual and infrared bands is severely limited by cloud cover, and for this reason microwave remote sensing is of great importance for observations of tropical systems. In the second part of this book, the author considers the basic principles of microwave sounding, and the role of both passive and active remote sensing methods for tropical ecosystem monitoring. He presents examples of applications in areas such as rainforest monitoring, crop mapping, population distribution, hydrology studies and the monitoring of biomass burning and active geodetic zones. The book concludes with a synopsis of the current status of operational satellite systems and future plans for tropical studies using remote sensing. Readership: Undergraduate and postgraduate students of geography, meteorology, climatology, atmospheric physics, geophysics, oceanography, tropical agriculture and environmental science. Professional scientists, environmentalists and engineers concerned with tropical ecosystems, and government agencies and industries involved with management, planning and hazard assessment in tropical regions.

While frequently used in temperate environments, hyperspectral sensors and data are still a novelty in the tropics. Exploring the potential of hyperspectral remote sensing for assessing ecosystem characteristics, Hyperspectral Remote Sensing of Tropical and Sub-Tropical Forests focuses on the complex and unique set of challenges involved in using t

Remote Sensing of Aerosols, Clouds, and Precipitation compiles recent advances in aerosol, cloud, and precipitation remote sensing from new satellite observations. The book examines a wide range of measurements from microwave (both active and passive), visible, and infrared portions of the spectrum. Contributors are experts conducting state-of-the-art research in atmospheric remote sensing using space, airborne, and ground-based datasets, focusing on supporting earth observation satellite missions for aerosol, cloud, and precipitation studies. A handy reference for scientists working in remote sensing, earth science, electromagnetics, climate physics, and space engineering. Valuable for operational forecasters, meteorologists, geospatial experts, modelers, and policymakers alike. - Presents new approaches in the field, along with further research opportunities, based on the latest satellite data - Focuses on how remote sensing systems can be designed/developed to solve outstanding problems in earth and atmospheric sciences - Edited by a dynamic team of editors with a mixture of highly skilled and qualified authors offering world-leading expertise in the field

The Handbook provides a detailed evaluation of what can realistically be achieved by remote sensing in an operational coastal management context. It takes the user through the planning and implementation of remote sensing projects from the setting of realistic objectives, deciding which imagery will be most appropriate to achieve those objectives, the acquisition, geometric and radiometric correction of imagery, the field survey methods needed to ground-truth the imagery and guide image classification, the image processing techniques required to optimise outputs, through the image interpretation and evaluation of the accuracy of outputs. Linked to the Handbook is a computer-based remote sensing distance-learning module: Applications of satellite and airborne image data to coastal management available free of charge via www.unesco.bilko.org

Remote Sensing of Impervious Surfaces in Tropical and Subtropical Areas offers a complete and thorough system for using optical and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) remote sensing data for improving impervious surface estimation (ISE). Highlighting tropical and subtropical areas where there is significant cloud occurrence and varying phenology, the b

The first full synthesis of modern scientific and applied research on urban climates, suitable for students and researchers alike.