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8747975 
Meetings & Symposia 
Characterization of spectral signatures of various oils on water 
English, J; Zakharov, I; Warren, S; Puestow, T; Brown, R 
2021 
Environment Canada 
175-185 
English 
As a result of changing environmental conditions and ice regimes, the Arctic is becoming more accessible, and recent studies and expert panels have noted the increased risk of marine pollution from accidental spills of oil and other harmful substances. Accordingly, communities throughout Nunavut are concerned with the potential impact of marine pollution events on the ecological integrity of sensitive Arctic environments, food security and traditional livelihoods. In an effort to address community concerns regarding the consequences of oil spills in Nunavut waters, the Enhanced Capacity for Oil Spill Detection for Situational Awareness (ECOSAR) project was executed between 2017-2020 to develop local capacity for oil spill detection, monitoring and response. The project emphasized community-based training of first responders, the exploitation of satellite reconnaissance for oil spill monitoring and assessment, and the development and implementation of a community-based spill response strategy. Technical research activities of ECOSAR were focused on improved detection of oil slicks using Sentinel-1 radar imagery, the characterization of slicks using Sentinel-2 and Landsat-8 optical imagery, and the development and implementation of satellite-based shoreline sensitivity mapping methodologies adapted for Nunavut. The characterization of slicks in Arctic using two satellites Sentinel-2 is promising since these satellites provide systematic coverage up to 82.8 degrees North every 5 days. Electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) sensors can be used for the detection of oil spills and extract information on the type and thickness of oil and petroleum products. The detection of oil slicks can be performed using optical satellites, only under sunny conditions without clouds and fog. The detection, characterization and mapping of oil on water using EO/IR sensors deployed on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has a great potential for situational awareness in the Nunavut region. In order to understand the capabilities of EO/IR sensors, the initial project activities were focused on small-scale experiments involving a hyperspectral sensor. The spectral measurements were acquired using an Analytical Spectral Devices (ASD) FieldSpec Pro spectroradiometer from Analytical Spectral Devices, Inc. Numerous small-scale tests provided spectral signatures of a variety of oil types, which had weathered for a period of four months. The paper presents brief results from initial multispectral observations as the future basis for the field studies. © 2021 Proceedings of the 43rd AMOP Technical Seminar on Environmental Contamination and Response. All rights reserved.