Investigation of a Multi-Sensor Method to Map Oil Spill Thickness
Abstract
Presently, maritime oil spill response and pollution deterrence forces have no reliable means of mapping oil slick thickness volume from the air. This report describes a technology demonstration and preliminary evaluation of a multi-sensor method that might provide such a capability. During September 1996, the U.S. Coast Guard Research and Development Center and its contractor, TASC, worked with the M.I.T. Lincoln Laboratory and the U.S. Minerals Management Service to test a new multi-sensor concept for monitoring oil spills. The test was conducted at the OHMSETT National Oil Spill Response Test Facility in Leonardo, New Jersey. Data were collected with a prototype frequency scarning microwave radiometer (FSR) and a commercial thermal infrared (IR) imaging radiometer. The multi-sensor method used FSR- derived oil thickness estimates to calibrate the gray scale of infrared images, thereby providing a means of producing oil thickness maps and volume estimates over relatively large areas. The target set consisted of containment rings filled with various known thicknesses of several oils, including both crude and diesel.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA343664
Entities
People
- G. L. Hover
- J. T. Parr
- Robert Shemo
Organizations
- United States Coast Guard Research & Development Center