A theoretical framework for optimal observability and detectability of spilled oil in aquatic environment

Abstract

A departure from ecosystem quality objectives can be defined as effects, which may vary in magnitude and occur over different time scales. Some effects may be reversible while others may persist for long periods. Thus, compared with other sources of pollution in the oceans, the risk of crude oil spillage to the sea presents the major threat for the marine ecology. This study considers the combination of information from diverse sources relating to a similar endpoint in formulating an operational research model to tackle the problem of false alarm from the use of remote sensing in spill detection. A common rubric for this combination is to apply a meta-analysis. The term suggests a move past an analysis of standalone data to one incorporating and synthesizing information from many associated sources.