Satellite detection of oil on the marine surfaceThe ability of two widely dissimilar spaceborne imaging sensors to detect surface oil accumulations in the marine environment has been evaluated using broadly different techniques. Digital Landsat multispectral scanner (MSS) data consisting of two visible and two near infrared channels has been processed to enhance contrast between areas of known oil coverage and background clean surface water. These enhanced images have then been compared to surface verification data gathered by aerial reconnaissance during the October 15, 1975, Landsat overpass. A similar evaluation of oil slick imaging potential has been made for digitally enhanced Seasat-A synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data from July 18, 1979. Due to the premature failure of this satellite, however, no concurrent surface verification data were collected. As a substitute, oil slick configuration information has been generated for the comparison using meteorological and oceanographic data. The test site utilized in both studies was the extensive area of natural seepage located off Coal Oil Point, adjacent to the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Document ID
19810058847
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Wilson, M. J. (NASA Headquarters Washington, DC United States)
Oneill, P. E. (NASA Headquarters Washington, DC United States)
Estes, J. E. (California, University Santa Barbara, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 11, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1981
Subject Category
Earth Resources And Remote Sensing
Meeting Information
Meeting: Annual William T. Pecora Memorial Symposium on Remote Sensing