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Coral Reefs: An Ecosystem in Transition pp 25–35Cite as

Remote Sensing of Coral Reef Processes

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Abstract

Digital remote sensing of coral reefs dates to the first Landsat mission of the mid-1970s. Early studies utilized moderate-spatial-resolution satellite broadband multispectral image data and focused on reef geomorphology. Technological advances have since led to development of airborne narrow-band hyperspectral sensors, airborne hydrographic lidar systems, and commercial high-spatial-resolution satellite broadband multispectral imagers. High quality remote sensing data have become widely available, and this has spurred investigations by the reef science and management communities into the technology. Studies utilizing remote sensing data range from predictions of reef fish diversity to multidecadal assessment of reef habitat decline. Fundamental issues remain, both in remote sensing science and in specific coral reef applications. Nevertheless, investigators are increasingly turning to remote sensing for the unique perspective it affords of reef systems.

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Acknowledgments

Curtis D. Mobley provided data and very useful comments. I am especially grateful to Ali L. Hochberg for her assistance in the preparation of this manuscript.

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  1. National Coral Reef Institute, Nova Southeastern University Oceanographic Center, 8000 North Ocean Drive, Dania Beach, FL, 33004, USA

    Eric J. Hochberg

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  1. Eric J. Hochberg
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Correspondence to Eric J. Hochberg .

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  1. , The Mina & Everard Goodman Fac. of Life, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, 52900, Israel

    Zvy Dubinsky

  2. , The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, 52900, Israel

    Noga Stambler

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Hochberg, E.J. (2011). Remote Sensing of Coral Reef Processes. In: Dubinsky, Z., Stambler, N. (eds) Coral Reefs: An Ecosystem in Transition. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-0114-4_3

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