Monitoring some environmental impacts of oil industry on coastal zone using different remotely sensed data

Abstract

This research paper is concerned with the impact of oil exploration and production activities on the physical and environment parameters of a coastal zone. Such impacts are the main environmental stress that led to the deterioration of the overall environment of the area under investigation. Different remotely sensed data were used in an integrated way for conducting this research. The remotely sensed data include images from landsat enhanced thematic mapper (ETM+), shuttle radar topography mission (SRTM), and data from ground geo-electrical investigation. Sequential landsat satellite images were used to identify changes that occurred in the land-cover and land-use classes including changes in water bodies, sabkhas, vegetation cover and areas of crude oil leakage as a point contamination source. SRTM data was used to build a digital elevation model (DEM) and to study some terrain characteristics of the area, including surface topographic features and surface water and contamination regime. Based on the findings of a geo-electric survey using Schlumberger geo-electric sounding, the ground water level was measured and the presence of fresh, brackish or salt water was identified. A field investigation was conducted and the surface and ground water contaminations were monitored and measured. A geographic information system (GIS) was applied to include all these data layers as an active database for the area for the purpose of identifying hot spots and prioritizing locations based on their environmental conditions as well as for monitoring plans. Various environmental parameters which might be affected by pollution resulting from activities related to the oil industry were identified and hot spots that might be subjected to environmental deterioration were pointed out for immediate measures for environmental protection.