Abstract |
As regards damage to the marine environment, oil spills at sea are considered to be one of the main sources of pelagic pollution: at the present time, it is estimated that more than six million tons of hydrocarbons enter the marine environment as a result of shipping and certain coastal, industrial and urban activities, river-borne pollution, oil prospecting and mining at sea and, finally, natural seepage from certain sea bottoms. This pollution is mainly due to intentional discharge, i.e. the routine evacuation of hydrocarbon-carrying effluents, or to accidental discharge, as a result of damage to installations or ships. Because of the rapid development of techniques and the multiplicity of studies and research undertaken, particularly with a view to developing integrated remote detection systems to meet the overall requirements of users, it has been found desirable to take stock of present knowledge in this field (excluding satellites for the time being) so that the lines to be followed in the mentioned areas can be determined and assessed. This manual is a first inventory of available techniques, instrumentation, and research centers in the field of remote sensing of the marine environment for detection of pollution. Inclusion in this inventory of information from specific organizations or firms does not in any way imply approval or endorsement of the organizations or firms, or of particular equipment, by the CCMS, NATO, or the Alliance Nations. |