ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that the remote sensing of natural water bodies can be likened unto the mental transference of the remote sensing device in a systematic manner. It illustrates the manner in which the first two components of Gedanken approach to remote sensing over natural water could be accommodated. To properly account for the impact of the atmosphere on both the down-welling global radiation and the upwelling reflected radiation requires knowledge of the atmospheric conditions existing at the time and location of the remote sensing mission. As has been mentioned earlier, direct measurements of global radiation, where possible, should be included within the remote sensing protocol. Numerous approaches have been considered to provide atmospheric corrections to remotely acquired spectroradiometric data. Some are based upon physical principles, while others are based upon statistical evidence. Remote sensing is now routinely being used to monitor carbon budgets and bioproductivity of terrestrial and mid-oceanic ecosystems.
