Synthetic Aperture Radar Sensors: Viable for Marine Oil Spill Response

摘要

Space borne Synthetic Aperture Radars (SARs) have been used to observe and track the movement of marine oil spills for several years. SAR sensors possess many desirable characteristics for use in oil spill monitoring including; a wide field-of-view, foul weather independence, and day/night capabilities. On the other hand, spill response personnel have frequently been faced with some of the shortcomings of SAR sensors, sometimes unwittingly. Shortcomings of early space borne SAR sensors include: low spatial resolution, long revisit times, no positive means of oil detection, confusion with several false targets, and a limited wind speed window in which observation of oil is possible. The next generation of SAR sensors is currently coming on-stream and their enhanced capabilities can address some of the concerns voiced by spill response personnel. This paper will review the history of the use of SAR sensors as marine oil spill response tools, and illustrate some case studies where the use of SAR imagery has benefited.