Since the publication of the first edition a decade ago, the variety and use of ocean observing satellites has continued to grow. Combined with a similar expansion in computer resources and in surface receiving and distribution networks, this growth has greatly increased our knowledge of the properties of the upper ocean and the overlying atmosphere.

Ten years ago, many satellites were large, managed by single countries and carried multiple sensors. Now, by international agreement, different countries collaborate on constellations of smaller satellites that fly in complementary orbits and focus on a single oceanic or atmospheric feature such as biology, winds or sea surface temperature (SST). Many of these data sets such as SST from the constellations are available in a common format from public archives that also provide software tools for working with the data. These constellations and their archives greatly improve research opportunities for students and professionals.

Because remote sensing involves many disciplines, the book provides under one cover the necessary background in electromagnetic theory, atmospheric and seawater properties, physical and biological oceanography, physical properties of the sea surface and the properties of satellite orbits. The contents range from the reflective and emissive properties of clouds and foam to the radar-scattering properties of ocean waves, to the optical properties of plankton-associated pigments. It also includes many examples. The book describes the development of satellite oceanography from 1975 to 2013, and outlines pending missions. The book requires only an introductory knowledge of electromagnetic theory and differential equations.