UPSC Prelims 2019 Question:

For the measurement/ estimation of which of the following are satellite images/remote sensing data used?

1. Chlorophyll content in the vegetation of a specific location 
2. Greenhouse gas emissions from rice paddies of a specific location 
3. Land surface temperatures of a specific location
   
   

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Field/Sector

Applications

Agriculture

• • To determine soil moisture and soil types for precision farming
  • To calculate Chlorophyll content in the vegetation of a specific location
• To estimate surface temperatures of land of a specific location 

So, points 1 and 3 are correct.

Environment

• To calculate Greenhouse gas emissions from rice paddies of a specific region. So, point 2 is correct.
• To measure the depth of snowpack like Arctic, Antarctic for climate change perspective
• To study glacier melts and effects on sea levels
• To keep eye on different species of flora and fauna (Fight for illegal activities and against forest fire) 

Disaster Management

• To Monitor active volcanoes using thermal remote sensing
• To map potential landslides with interferometry
• To Quantify the damage after an earthquake
• To Track various hazards for better response and recovery

Hydrology

• To delineate watershed areas by providing accurate elevation data
• To Locate groundwater activity for wells

Defence

• To spy on enemies with reconnaissance satellites
• For searching for aircrafts and saving lives after fatal crashes
• For Navigating ships safely with the most optimal route

Mining

• Extracting mineral deposits with hyperspectral remote sensing
• Studying geology of the Earth’s surface

Oceanography

• Detecting oil spills for marine life and environmental preservation
• Watching algae grow as an indicator of environmental health