Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
The comparison of the data obtained from the analysis of satellite im-
ages with the data coming from aerial surveillance (Figure 3) reveals a
number of interesting conclusions. There is a strong coincidence of the ar-
eas were a concentration of oil spills are detected, these areas can be rec-
ognised with the main maritime routes and areas where offshore platforms
are installed. Due to the fact that images were probably covering more
homogenously the North Sea compared to aerial surveillance that is mainly
focusing on specific routes, it could be estimated that aerial surveillance is
correctly carried out over the most sensitive areas.
Concerning the possibility to correlate the oil spills detected by satellite
with spills observed by aircraft, a specific study has been developed by
JRC. However, the number of matching possibilities does not have a solid
scientific basis because there is too much uncertainty on the persistence
and drifting of an oil spill.
3 A possible way forward
In summary, we recognised a clear need for additional research efforts and
the need to involve the regional and national authorities deeply that are
competent in the field of monitoring sea-based oil pollution. Concerning
the additional research efforts, space-borne sensors will have to secure
their role in support to aerial and naval means for the monitoring of sea-
based oil pollution by (among others):
Refinement of methodologies to improve the reliability of the identifica-
tion of oil spills (reduction of the false positives and false negatives
rate). Possible research directions include the refinement of tools for the
analysis of images acquired by a number of different sensors, such as
RADAR, IR, UV, Passive Microwave, the fusion of information from
different sensors as well as the integration of auxiliary data (meteo and
oceanographic data).
Integration of data from different space borne sensors to improve the re-
trieval of oil spill thickness, the detection of submersed oil, and the type
of the oil. These aspects are particularly important when heavy oil is
discharged, as in the case of the Erika and Prestige accidents. In order to
estimate the volume and the type of the discharged oil it is essential to
assess the impact on the environment.
Refinement of methodologies for the prediction of oil spills movement,
including oil dispersion model and ocean circulation models. This is a
crucial aspect in case of accidents, but also in case of deliberate spilling
close to the coastline.
