The Application of Satellite Image Analysis in Oil Spill Detection

Abstract

In recent years, there has been an increasing use of satellite sensors to detect and track oil spills. The satellite bands, namely visible, short, medium infrared, and microwave radar bands, are used for this purpose. The use of satellite images is extremely valuable for oil spill analysis. With satellite images, we can identify the source of leakage and assess the extent of potential damage. However, it is not yet clear how to approach a specific leakage case methodologically. The aim of this study is the remote sensing analysis of environmental changes with the development of oil spill detection processing methods. Innovative elements of the work, in addition to methodological proposals, include the long-term analysis of surface water changes. This is very important because oil is very likely to enter the soil when water levels change. The classification result was satisfactory and accurate by 85%. The study was carried out using images from Landsat 5, Landsat 7, Landsat 8, Sentinel-1, and Sentinel-2 satellites. The results of the classification of the oil stains in active and passive technologies differ. This difference affects the methodology for selecting processing methods in similar fields. In the case of this article, the oil spill that occurred on 29 May 2020 in Norilsk was investigated and compared with data from other years to determine the extent of biodegradation. Due to the tank failure that occurred at the Nornickel power plant on that day, a large amount of crude oil leaked into the environment, contaminating the waters and soil of local areas. Research shows that oil spills may be caused by human error or may be the effect of climate change, particularly global warming.