Multi-frequency and multi-angle radar methods application peculiarities for parameters estimation of oil pollutions on sea surface

Abstract

Subject and purpose. Comparative analysis of multi-frequency (MFM) and multi-angle (MAM) radar methods has to be carried out in order to evaluate their measurement capabilities for parameters diagnostic of emergency oil spill on sea surface. Methods applications are investigated in connection with possible uses in spaceborne and airborne radar systems for ocean monitoring. Methods and methodology. The numerical simulation of modified theory of radar sea contrast in presence of surface-active film was used in the research. The simulation took into account the selected radar systems parameters, such as radio frequency, range of observation angles and radar cross-section measurement range, for monitoring of oil film with given physical properties. The analysis was provided in order to formulate applicable airborne and spaceborne radar systems parameters for the problem solution. Results. Expected values of radar contrast for oil pollution presence are obtained, when both MFM and MAM estimating methods are applied. As shown, MAM method application is essential for oil spilling dynamics survey with oil film parameters determination. MFM method should be used for data operative retrieval of oil spill features. The examples are given that prove the methods measurement capabilities. Also, the list is provided for operating and prospective airborne and spaceborne radar systems, data of which could be used for oil spill parameters estimation by MFM and MAM methods. Conclusions. Multi-frequency and multi-angle methods can be applied for both airborne and spaceborne systems in use, and for future multifrequency spaceborne synthetic-aperture radars. Moreover, MFM and MAM methods combination would allow to realize processing and analysis of integrated data provided by satellite systems group for emergency oil spills monitoring.

Keywords

• emergency oil spill parameters diagnostics
• multi-frequency and multi-angle radar methods
• remote sensing