Airborne laser fluorosensors: Valuable tools for response to marine and terrestrial oil spills
- Environment Canada, Ontario (Canada)
Distinguishing between oiled and non-oiled ocean surfaces is a difficult task at the best of times. Add to it, the multitude of spectral signatures that can be present on a beach or shoreline environment and the task becomes even more difficult. There are many situations where oil look-alikes or false targets can confuse not only human observers but advanced remote sensing equipment as well. In order to properly distinguish oil from non-oiled surfaces, a primary characteristic of oil must be detected. The laser induced fluorescence spectral signature of oil and related petroleum products is just such a characteristic. Different classes of oil fluoresce with characteristic spectral signatures. These signatures can be used to identify the class of oil contaminant in complex marine and terrestrial environments. This type of environment provides a serious challenge to other sensors including infrared and ultraviolet systems. Here the number of false targets can be large, and the positive detection of oil by conventional sensors impossible. This paper will review the development of laser fluorosensors; at Environment Canada and around the globe. In addition to a review of specific sensors, a review of the applications of airborne laser fluorosensors will be presented.
- OSTI ID:
- 478357
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-961119-; TRN: 97:002641-0017
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Eco-informa `96: global networks for environmental information, Lake Buena Vista, FL (United States), 4-7 Nov 1996; Other Information: PBD: 1996; Related Information: Is Part Of Proceedings of Eco-Informa `96 - global networks for environmental information. Volume 10 and 11; PB: 1103 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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