Chapter 5

Oil Spill Remote Sensing

M. Fingas1, and C.E. Brown2     1Spill Science, Edmonton, AB, Canada     2Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada

Abstract

Remotesensing for oil spills is reviewed. The technical aspects of sensors are summarized and the benefits and limitations of each sensor are given. The use of visible techniques is ubiquitous; however, it gives only the same results as visible monitoring. Oil has no particular spectral features that would allow for identification among the many possible background interferences. Identification of specific oil types is not possible. Cameras are useful to provide documentation.

Infrared (IR) offers some potential as an oil spill sensor. In daytime oil absorbs light and remits ...

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