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Potentialities and problems of satellite remote sensing with special reference to arid and semiarid regions

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Abstract

Although satellite remote sensing of the atmosphere and Earth's surface has been pursued now for many years, it has not been applied widely in detailed or systematic investigations of the atmospheric and land surface climates of arid and semiarid regions. This paper briefly surveys characteristics of satellite systems that should be considered when evaluating the present and potential roles of satellite remote sensing in arid and semiarid zone research, and in studies of desertification. Actual and potential applications of satellite data in these research areas are then reviewed. It is concluded that satellite data available for arid and semiarid areas have been used in a very fragmentary and unsystematic manner. Proposals are made for exploiting more fully satellite data, especially in investigations of desertification.

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  1. Remote Sensing Unit, Department of Geography, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK

    Eric C. Barrett

  2. Department of Geography, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK

    Michael G. Hamilton

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  1. Eric C. Barrett
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  2. Michael G. Hamilton
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Barrett, E.C., Hamilton, M.G. Potentialities and problems of satellite remote sensing with special reference to arid and semiarid regions. Climatic Change 9, 167–186 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00140534

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