Infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum (EMR) Select the wavelength range that most appropriately covers the infrared region used in remote sensing.

Introduction / Context:
The electromagnetic spectrum is segmented by wavelength. Remote sensing commonly divides infrared into near-infrared (NIR), shortwave infrared (SWIR), and thermal infrared (TIR), each with unique interactions with surface and atmosphere used for vegetation, mineral, and temperature mapping.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We consider the broad IR span relevant to EO sensors.
• Visible light is shorter than IR; microwave is longer.

Concept / Approach:
Remote sensing conventionally treats NIR starting near 0.7 μm, extending through SWIR bands (e.g., 1.6 μm, 2.2 μm) into thermal windows around 8–14 μm. This expansive 0.7–14 μm bracket captures widely used bands.

Step-by-Step Reasoning:

Verification / Alternative check:
Typical sensor bands: NIR ~0.84 μm, SWIR ~1.6 and 2.2 μm, TIR ~10–12 μm; all fall within 0.7–14 μm.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• 0.4–0.7 μm: visible range, not IR.
• 0.5 mm to 1 m: microwave range, not IR.
• 0.7–1.3 μm: only a portion of IR (NIR), excludes SWIR/TIR.
• None of these: Incorrect since 0.7–14 μm is correct.

Common Pitfalls:
Equating IR only with thermal; NIR and SWIR are also IR and widely used for vegetation and geology.

Final Answer:
0.7 to 14 μm