Space techniques for remote sensing of environmental risks in seas and oceans

The ocean is an important component of the global environment and must not be ignored in the assessment of environmental risks, even when attention is focused on land surface issues. This paper addresses the use of space tech niques for remote sensing of the ocean, in the context of how marine enviro nmental risks may be monitored. Since there are several significant differe nces between remote sensing over land and over sea, the techniques specific to ocean observation are first reviewed, identifying what can be measured from space and what are the sampling capabilities and inherent limitations. Ocean environmental risks are then identified at global, regional and loca l scales, and serve as examples of how space techniques can be used to addr ess them. Finally operational environmental monitoring and risk management is shown to require an integrated approach using models and measurements fr om space and at sea.