What is one common use of remote sensing in environmental monitoring?

One common use of remote sensing in environmental monitoring is tracking deforestation and land cover changes. Remote sensing technology allows scientists and researchers to collect data about the Earth's surface from a distance, using satellite sensors or aerial imagery. This data provides valuable insights into the extent of forested areas, identifies regions experiencing deforestation, and monitors changes in land use over time.

By analyzing satellite images from different periods, researchers can quantify how much forest cover is lost, which can be attributed to factors such as logging, agricultural expansion, or urban development. This information is critical for understanding environmental impacts, implementing conservation strategies, and assessing the effectiveness of policies aimed at protecting forests. The ability to gather large-scale data efficiently makes remote sensing an essential tool in environmental science, particularly in the context of monitoring deforestation and land cover dynamics.