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Most
thermal imaging satellite instruments have relatively high sensitivity
(0.1°C for AVHRR and MODIS) but poor spatial resolution (1km
or more). The eTM sensor aboard Landsat-7 has a thermal channel
with 60m spatial resolution. Although not as sensitive as the
AVHRR's, this capability can provide images of temperature signals
from sources undetectable with other satellites. Ocean Imaging
uses eTM thermal data to document the pread trajectories of offshore
sanitation outfall plumes (shown here) and cooling water discharges
from coastal power plants.
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