GOM SAB - Aster Oil Delineation 2017-04-25

These data were collected as part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric’s (NOAA) DWH Lessons Learned Studies: Detection of Oil Thickness and Emulsion Mixtures using Remote Sensing Platforms study on methods to estimate oil slick coverage and thickness. The Team developed methods for synoptic collection of satellite imagery, airborne imagery, surface oil characterization, oil and water chemistry, and subsurface oil slick data at both the Oil and Hazardous Materials Simulated Environmental Test Tank (Ohmsett) and the Mississippi Canyon lease block #20 (MC20), which has experienced an ongoing chronic oil discharge since 2004. Data shown here in NOAA’s Environmental Response Management Applications (ERMA) are part of the MC20 field research undertaken in 2016, 2017, and 2018. This research was primarily funded by the U.S. Department of the Interior, the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), and the Oil Spill Preparedness Division through Interagency Agreement E16PG00023 with the U.S. Department of Commerce, NOAA.

The primary objective of this research was to compare the ability of multiple remote sensing platforms to detect and quantify surface oil, and verify that anomalies identified in remote sensing images corresponded with oil slick features that could be observed and quantified in situ. This research was organized into 3 phases:

Phase 1: Characterized the detection of known oil thicknesses and oil-emulsions in a controlled environment, by performing multiple tests and calibrations for thermal, optical, and microwave sensors at the National Oil Spill Response Research & Renewable Energy Test Facility (Ohmsett) which is located at the Naval Weapons Station Earle Waterfront in Leonardo, New Jersey. Controlled experiments took place during July 2016.

Phase 2: Measured the open water oil thicknesses and oil-emulsions at the damaged Taylor Energy well field surface oiling site (MC20) by performing multiple tests and calibrations for thermal, optical and microwave sensors. Data were collected in November 2016, April 2017, and August 2017.

Phase 3: Developed operational methods and procedures for processing and interpreting each of the sensors products used during the experiments for future emergency operations.

The objective of synoptic sampling at MC20 was to provide data and observations on the water that verified (ground-truth) remote sensing data. The Team attempted to collect as much multi-platform and sensor data as was practicable while scheduling field sampling events to coincide with satellite collections. The Team also collected imagery from Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and as many as four separate fixed-wing aircraft timed to these collections. These data were collected by multiple researchers from NOAA, Ocean Imaging Corp., Water Mapping LLC, University of North Texas (UNT), EPA, WHOI, Fototerra Aerial Survey LLC, and others. A total of 5 different data types are shown here in ERMA: in situ sampling, ship/flight trackline and photos, imagery, oil characterization, and oil on water samples. Summaries of the data collection methods are included below.

The Satellite Analysis Branch (SAB) of NOAA/NESDIS was requested to perform oil anomaly detection in MC20 in order to support the NOAA Office of Response & Restoration's (OR&R) efforts. This report consists of manual detection and mapping of oil slicks primarily through the use of Aster (NASA) VNIR satellite imagery.

NESDIS/ OSPO / SPSD Office of Satellite and Product & Services Division/ Satellite Analysis Branch (SAB)

Building: NOAA Center for Weather and Climate Prediction

The NOAA/NESDIS Satellite-Derived Surface Oil Analysis Products are experimental products and have not been subjected to the National Environmental Satellite Data and Information Service's normal quality control or quality assurance procedures and do not meet the criteria for standards of official NESDIS products. They are available on a best effort basis and their quality, completeness, availability and/or timeliness cannot be guaranteed. No warranties are expressed or implied regarding the accuracy, completeness, availability or reliability of the information provided. They are released for limited public use as experimental data to be used only with appropriate caution. The user assumes the entire risk related to use of the information. In no event will NESDIS be liable to you or to any third party for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special exemplary damages or lost profit resulting from any use of the data.In addition, reference in the NESDIS Surface Oil Analysis Products to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government or any agency thereof.

These data may be provisional and restricted to Trustees within a Natural Resource Damage Assessment.

The user is responsible for the results of any application of this data for other than its intended purpose.

Imagery includes: Optical imagery from Aster (NASA). The advantage of optical imagery is the ability to generate wavelength combinations that help distinguish oil from vegetation and other false positives. Disadvantages include being limited to daylight hours and cloud free weather conditions.

Uncertainty in oil detection relies on environmental conditions and satellite imagery quality. Specific remarks on accuracy are included in each report.

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The Spatial Data Branch publishes this data on behalf of the originator. Data visually represented in ERMA are aimed to guide responders, decision makers, and users in making informed steps of analysis and action.