RADIOMETRIC DETECTION OF OIL SLICKS
Abstract
A study has been performed to assess the feasibility of using microwave radiometry for detection of oil pollution. The investigation stems from the U.S. Coast Guard's requirement for an airborne surveillance system which can detect oil pollution during inclement weather and during the hours of darkness. Laboratory and airborne measurements were made of a variety of oil base pollutants. Laboratory investigations included microwave response as a function of oil film thickness, physical temperature of the oil-water system, pollutant type sensor wavelength, antenna polarization, and observation angle. These studies consisted of dual-polarization radiometric measurements (observational wavelengths of 0.8cm and 2.2cm) of Bunker C fuel oil, gasoline, and 20, 30, and 40 API gravity crude oil. The dielectric properties of these pollutants were also measured by means of a 0.81 cm ellipsometer. The results of the laboratory measurements were used to select the most suitable microwave radiometer for the airborne measurements. The airborne measurements were of small oil slicks on the open ocean off the Southern California Coast. Measurements were made from an aircraft instrumented with a dual-polarized 0.81 cm radiometer oriented with a forward antenna viewing angle of 45 deg from nadir. Pollutants examined during the tests include marine diesel fuel; 20, 30, and 40 API gravity crude oils; and a mixture of diesel fuel and 20-gravity oil. Measurements were made under various atmospheric and low sea state conditions, including several at night.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1970
- Accession Number
- AD0702402
Entities
People
- A. T. Edgerton
- D. T. Trexler
Organizations
- Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings