Narrow band visible, thermal infrared and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite and airborne imagery are used to demonstrate the detection and mapping of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico in the summer of 2010. While SAR demonstrates its clear capability of mapping oil spill features the thermal infrared and visible data also show clear capabilities for not only mapping the oil spill but also retrieving quantitative measures such as oil thickness and in the future oil emulsion level. High-resolution optical satellite data from DigitalGlobe exhibits a high sensitivity to the presence of oil in the first four narrow visible bands. This capability is lost in the near and mid-range infrared channels of the satellite images. The thermal images from the airborne campaigns clearly show the presence of oil as higher temperatures surrounded by colder patches of open water. Thermal infrared data is used to infer oil thickness by combining channels. Narrow visible channels from the airborne platforms also improve our detection and mapping of the oil spills.

A project is being proposed to use the satellite and airborne technologies to provide early detection, mapping and characterization of an oil spill at sea. Part of this rapid response will be air dropped organogels that quickly absorb the oil up to 100% of their weight. These organogels are then collected by ship and the oil is squeezed out of them to recover the oil. Repeat deployments of the organogels will be needed to return the surface waters to their original condition. Once proven this rapid response system will be turned over to the U.S. Coast Guard for routine rapid response to oil spills in U.S. coastal waters.

Visit Coordinator: Gary Jedlovec (NASA/MSFC)