What is a key application of remote sensing in oceanography?

Tracking sea surface temperature and chlorophyll is a key application of remote sensing in oceanography because it allows scientists to monitor and understand ocean dynamics and marine ecosystems. Remote sensing technologies, such as satellite imaging, provide valuable data on sea surface temperatures, which are critical for studying climate change, weather patterns, and ocean circulation. Changes in sea surface temperature can indicate heat distribution in the ocean and affect marine life, including the distribution of fish populations.

Additionally, measuring chlorophyll levels through remote sensing helps assess the health of phytoplankton, which are crucial for the ocean food web and carbon cycling. This data can be vital for managing fisheries, understanding ecological responses to environmental changes, and monitoring harmful algal blooms.

While monitoring air pollution levels, assessing terrestrial vegetation growth, and mapping urban infrastructures are important applications of remote sensing, they do not specifically address the unique needs and challenges of oceanography and the study of ocean systems.