EX2 - Global Remote Sensing

Question 1

What is the Global Systems Approach

Answer 1

Study of the Earth as a system

monitoring global systems impacting the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere

Earth systems science considers the Earth as a whole

Studies of regions and areas provide inadequate understanding of global change because many processes operate at a global or hemispherical level.

Question 2

How advancement in RS has allowed for a global systems approach

Answer 2

satellites now gather environmental parameters at global scale

we can gather data on the Earth as a system, rather than look at individual components of system.

we no longer look at ecosystems in isolation, but as biomes andbiospheres.

Question 3

Biogeochemical cycles

Answer 3

The biogeochemical processes that govern these movements / interchanges of materials are understood through cycles such as:

 Hydrologic Cycle
 Carbon Cycle
 Nitrogen Cycle
 Sulfur Cycle

 Remote Sensing helps understand the Earth’s environment by providing a global perspective of movements and interchanges in the different cycles

Question 4

Examples of some urban applications and understanding of how local urban monitoring can help
understand global change

Answer 4

 Urban Heat Islands
 Urban Tree Canopy analysis
 Rooftop analysis
 Machine Space analysis
 Greenspace / impervious area analysis
 Expanding Cities / Urban Spraw