Oil Spill Detection and Monitoring Using MODIS Data

Oil spills frequently occur during the reconnaissance or transportation accidents. The Gulf of Mexico oil spill stemmed from a sea-floor oil gusher that resulted from the April 20, 2010 Deepwater Horizon drilling rig explosion. It was estimated that 53,000 barrels per day (8,400 m3/d) were escaping from the well just before it was capped. The spill is causing severe damage to marine and wildlife habitats. In order to implement effective oil spill countermeasures, detection and continuous monitoring, Satellite remote sensing techniques can be used as they provide large area surveillance, site specific monitoring and tactical assistance in emergencies.The present study is based on examining the feasibility of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectro radiometer (MODIS) high resolution bands (250-m and 500-m) for detection and monitoring of oil spills. Twelve time series images of MODIS Aqua and Terra high resolution imagery from 20 April till 23 June 2010 were exploited for detection and monitoring of oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Both L1B (Level1B-only geometrically corrected) and L2 (Level2-both geometrically and atmospherically corrected) data were examined but L2 products such as RRS1, SST2, BRDF3 were not suitable and they lacked the sufficient contrast range because of rigorous atmospheric correction. The 250 m data at 645,859 nm and 500 m data at 469, 555, 1240, 2130 nm were analyzed. By assessment of these individual bands and using band ratio combinations the ultimate index was obtained which can clearly indicate the oil spills and improve the contrast in the area. The result was validated by comparing with the shape files obtained from oil spill trajectory maps in NOAA4 website. Therefore, MODIS-Aqua and Terra data with daily coverage and high resolution can be liable and cost-effective for such events.

Keywords:

Remote sensing , Oil spill , MODIS , Band ratio