Remote Sensing Tropical Coral Reefs: The View from Above
1CSL - Center for Carbonate Research, Department of Marine Geosciences, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, Florida 33149;
Annual Review of Marine Science
|August 11, 2017
Summary
Remote sensing, particularly satellite mapping, is crucial for understanding tropical coral reefs and addressing their global crisis. This technology reveals reef distribution and environmental conditions, aiding conservation efforts.
Area of Science:
- Geology and Marine Biology
- Environmental Science and Remote Sensing
Background:
- Coral reefs have formed carbonate structures for 3.7 billion years.
- Reef-forming organisms, like corals, thrive in warm, shallow, tropical waters.
- Fossil reefs are significant as aquifers and hydrocarbon reservoirs, necessitating study of their structure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the application of remote sensing to tropical coralgal reefs.
- To demonstrate how remote sensing can address the coral reef crisis.
- To explore future developments in remote sensing for reef science.
Main Methods:
- Interpretation of satellite images for spatial and temporal reef analysis.
- Comparative sedimentology using orbital observations to study modern and ancient reefs.
- Satellite mapping for quantifying coral community distribution and environmental climatology.
Main Results:
- Remote sensing reveals the large-scale patterns of tropical reefs.
- Satellite mapping is key to quantifying the coral reef crisis.
- Orbital observations have transformed comparative sedimentology.
Conclusions:
- Remote sensing is a vital technology for coral reef research and conservation.
- Satellite technology aids in understanding reef environments and distribution.
- Future advancements in remote sensing are critical for addressing the coral reef crisis.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:13Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) Infrared Spectroscopy: Overview
1.3K
Attenuated total reflectance (ATR) infrared spectroscopy is a powerful analytical technique used to study the composition of materials. It is widely employed in chemistry, materials science, forensic science, and other fields where sample characterization is required. ATR has several advantages over traditional transmission IR spectroscopy, including the requirement of little to no sample preparation and the ability to analyze a wide range of samples.
The ATR process begins by directing a beam...
The ATR process begins by directing a beam...
1.3K
01:29Topographic Surveying and Contours
1.1K
Topographic surveying is critical for documenting the Earth's surface, focusing on capturing elevations, slopes, and natural and man-made features. It is essential in construction planning, water resource management, and land-use analysis. The primary outcome of such surveys is a topographic map, which uses contour lines to visually represent the shape and slope of the terrain, providing valuable insights into the landscape's characteristics.Contour lines are fundamental to understanding the...
1.1K
01:25Methods of Obtaining Topography
353
Topography involves measuring and mapping land elevations, natural features, and artificial structures to create accurate representations of the terrain. Topographic surveying relies on traditional and modern methods, each with distinct advantages and limitations.Traditional Surveying Methods:Transit stadia surveys and plane table surveys were widely used traditional surveying methods. These techniques relied on instruments like theodolites and stadia rods for measuring distances and angles,...
353
01:03Precipitation Gravimetry
15.7K
Precipitation gravimetry is based on converting an analyte into a sparingly soluble precipitate, which is separated by filtration and weighed. An ideal precipitate should be pure, insoluble, of known composition, and easily filtered from the reaction mixture.
In determining nickel by gravimetric analysis, a precipitant of ethanolic dimethylglyoxime is added to a hot nickel salt solution. This is quickly followed by the dropwise addition of dilute ammonia solution until precipitation occurs. A...
In determining nickel by gravimetric analysis, a precipitant of ethanolic dimethylglyoxime is added to a hot nickel salt solution. This is quickly followed by the dropwise addition of dilute ammonia solution until precipitation occurs. A...
15.7K
01:30Types of Global Positioning System Surveys
391
GPS surveying methods vary in application, accuracy, and data collection techniques, catering to diverse surveying and mapping needs. Static GPS, kinematic GPS, and real-time kinematic (RTK) surveying are widely used. Each technique offers distinct advantages.Static GPS involves placing one receiver at a known reference point and another at the target point. It collects exact positional data by observing multiple satellite ranges over an extended period, achieving centimeter-level accuracy for...
391
01:02Flame Photometry: Overview
1.6K
Flame photometry, also known as flame emission spectrometry, is a technique used for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of elements present in a sample using a flame as the source of excitation energy. The concept of flame photometry was realized in the early 1860s by Kirchhoff and Bunsen, who discovered that specific elements emit characteristic radiation when excited in flames. The first instrument developed for this purpose was used to measure sodium (Na) in plant ash using a Bunsen...
1.6K