Examples

Fig 1.a Oil spill off the south coast of Cyprus
(© CSA/MDA/EMSA 2007).

This image, taken by Radarsat-1 on 18 June 2007 off the south coast of Cyprus, shows 3 very distinct linear dark features with sharp edges and uniform backscattered signal area, typical of an oil spill. It is interesting to note that for the spill ranging from south-east to north-west (close to the coast), there is a potential polluter vessel connected to the black feature.

Fig 1.b Oil spill off the northern coast of Germany
(© ESA European Space Agency / EMSA 2007).

This image, taken by ENVISAT-ASAR off the northern coast of Germany in the Baltic Sea on 23 June 2007, shows a distinct elongated dark feature with sharp edges and a diffused tail, typical of an oil spill being transported by the wind. This illegal oil spill was verified by the German authorities.

Fig 1.c Oil spill in the Aegean Sea
(© ESA European Space Agency / EMSA 2007).

This image taken by ENVISAT-ASAR in the Aegean Sea on 19 May 2007, shows a very distinct linear dark features with sharp edges and uniform backscattered signal area. The width of the feature is due to the constant wind and current present in that area. The bright white spots represent vessels in the image area.