Oil Spill Detection Using Remote Sensing and GIS in Eastern Coast of United Arab Emirates

Abstract

One of the most dangerous oceanic pollutions nowadays is marine oil spills, which occur when crude oil is released into the oceanic water and must be contained quickly since they can extend to large areas and result in serious ecological, economic, and health consequences. Places like the Gulf of Oman are highly vulnerable to oil spill accidents due to the high marine activity there. Remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) have proven their capabilities in countless fields, and detecting oil spills is one of them. This study explores the potential of combining remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for oil spill detection on the Eastern Coast of the United Arab Emirates. Leveraging Sentinel-1 SAR and Sentinel-2 optical data, we develop and evaluate a methodology to identify oil spills. While specific accuracy assessments await further testing, initial visual analysis indicates promising results. The study contributes to advancements in oil spill detection by demonstrating the potential of using these remote sensing techniques in this region. Additionally, it highlights the value of GIS integration for data analysis and visualization. This research holds promise for improved oil spill monitoring and environmental protection efforts on the Eastern Coast of the United Arab Emirates.