The inverse problem in the propagation of sound through inhomogeneous fluids, that is, determining quantitative parameters characterizing the inhomogeneity fields from the changes in acoustic waves propagating through them, forms the basis for acoustic remote sensing. After a brief review of the development of remote sensing methods, recent advances—and problems—will be discussed, including measurement of velocity fields, and profiles of temperatures versus altitudes or depths. The possibilities of obtaining phase information and much larger scattering cross sections from fields of Rayleigh scatterers when their spatial correlations do not vanish (a topic under way in studies of radar sensing of clouds) may present opportunities for improved acoustic remote sensing.