Progress of research on satellite remote sensing application in oceanography: A case study in China

Satellite remote sensing (SRS) is an important technique used to study oceanic dynamics in coastal processes and ecological environments. Using bibliometric analysis, the historical progression, current status and future trends of research on oceanic SRS application were examined in this study based on literature published from 1981 to 2020 by Chinese researchers. Furthermore, emerging hot topics and research trends were visually analysed using high-frequency keywords occurring in the published literature. The annual number of publications (NP) presented an increasing trend in the oceanic SRS application research field, especially in independent English-language publications by Chinese researchers. The Journal of Geophysical Research-Oceans had the highest NP and the Chinese Academy of Sciences was the most active institution in this field. Research topics related to this field have been mainly concentrated on ocean colour environments, marine ecological environments, oceanic dynamic environments, and marine resources and disasters. Research trends have undergone significant evolution in recent decades, as revealed by the strong transition in research hot topics from oceanic parameter algorithms to the impacts of climate change on ocean ecosystems. This study could help researchers better understand the intellectual structure in the field of SRS application in China and identify future research directions.