Observation of artificial slicks with SIR-C/X-SAR around Japan

Abstract

In order to determine suitable parameters for surveillance of oil pollution with imaging radar from space and to investigate the damping mechanism of surface waves by slicks, the experiments to observe controlled slick areas were made around Japan during each of the SIR-C/X-SAR first and second flight missions in April and October 1994, respectively. The artificial slick areas were produced by a small ship with oleyl alcohol. The small ship measured the sea surface conditions including surface wind vector, etc. The dependencies of the damping ratio of NRCS on radar frequencies and polarizations are compared for wind speed and directions, and other surface conditions. The preliminary results of the analysis are shown.