What is one application of remote sensing in environmental science?

Mapping vegetation cover is a significant application of remote sensing in environmental science. Remote sensing involves acquiring data about the Earth's surface through satellite or aerial imagery, which allows scientists to observe and analyze large areas quickly and efficiently. By utilizing various spectral bands of light, remote sensing technology can identify different types of vegetation, assess plant health, and monitor changes in vegetation over time, such as deforestation or habitat restoration efforts. This data is crucial for understanding ecosystem dynamics, managing natural resources, and making informed decisions in environmental conservation.

The other options involve direct sampling or measurements that do not utilize remote sensing technology. Analyzing soil samples and conducting water quality tests are conducted in situ, requiring physical samples from the environment. Measuring weather patterns with thermometers involves terrestrial measurements rather than remote sensing data collection. These methods do not provide the broad spatial and temporal coverage that remote sensing offers, particularly valuable in environmental monitoring and assessment.