This book presents the state-of-the-art of optical remote sensing applied for the generation of marine climate-quality data products, with contributions by international experts in the field. The chapters are logically grouped into six thematic parts, each introduced by a brief overview. The different parts include: i. requirements for the generation of climate data records from satellite ocean measurements and additionally basic radiometry principles addressing terminology, standards, measurement equation and uncertainties; ii. satellite visible and thermal infrared radiometry embracing instrument design, characterization and, pre- and post-launch calibration; iii. in situ visible and thermal infrared radiometry including overviews on basic principles, technology and measurements methods required to support satellite missions devoted to climate change investigations; iv. simulations as fundamental tools to support interpretation and analysis of both in situ and satellite radiometric measurements; v. strategies for in situ radiometry to satisfy mission requirements for the generation of climate data records; and finally, vi. methods for the assessment of satellite data products.
Fundamentals of measurement theory are taken through to implementation of practical ground based radiometers and their application to validate satellite data used to generate climate data records. This book presents practical solutions for those involved or contemplating the validation of optical climate measurements from satellite instruments.
Dr. Zibordi received a Laurea in Physics from the University of Modena (Italy) and a Ph.D. in Oceanography from the University of Southampton (United Kingdom). He was a researcher at the Italian National Research Council in Modena from 1984 to 1992, where his work focused on quantitative remote sensing for coastal and polar regions. Since 1993 he is with the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission, Ispra (Italy), working on satellite ocean color development and validation activities. His research interests include remote sensing techniques for the determination of atmospheric and marine optical properties, and, methods for in situ optical measurements and for the radiometric calibration of optical instruments. Dr. Zibordi has authored or co-authored over 90 research articles in peer-reviewed international journals.
Dr. Donlon received a B.Sc. First class (Hon) in 1989 from the University of Lancaster, UK and a Ph.D. in Oceanography from the University of Southampton, UK in 1994. He worked at the University of Colorado, USA as an Assistant Research Professor, at the European Commission Joint Research Centre Italy for 5 years in the Institute for Environment and Sustainability and at the Met Office UK for 5 years in the Operational Oceanography division. He was Director of the Group for High Resolution SST (GHRSST) 2000-2011. Since September 2008, Dr. Donlon has worked at the European Space Agency as the Principal Scientist for Oceans and Ice in the Mission Science Division of Earth Observation Programmes Directorate. He is the Mission Scientist for the Copernicus Sentinel-3 Satellite. Dr Donlon has published his research in over 70 journal articles in the scientific literature. His main interests include remote sensing of oceans, development and preparation of new satellite concepts and missions for oceanography, oceanographic application of satellite data, development of satellite climate data records of sea surface temperature, design of reference thermal infrared black body reference radiance sources, design, construction, software development, calibration and deployment of sea-going infrared radiometer systems for the validation of satellite SST data sets.
Dr. Parr received an MS and PhD (1970) from the University of Chicago and was involved in research in synchrotron radiation research and development, spectroscopy, and ion chemistry at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). He joined the Optical Technology Division in 1986 and was active in developing new calibration and measurement strategies based upon the high accuracy cryogenic radiometer. This includes redefinition of the U.S. National SI units of the candela and lumen based upon measurements directly traceable to the cryogenic radiometer. Dr. Parr retired as Chief of the Optical Technology Division in 2007 and continues to consult on radiometric matters related to remote sensing in addition to editor work on the Elsevier series, Experimental Methods in the Physical Sciences. Dr. Parr has published extensively on his research and has over 100 articles in the scientific literature.
