Project objectives are as follows: Develop an oil slick thickness measurement algorithm, Testing of the developed methodology using Santa Barbara Channel oil seeps as targets and simultaneous in-situ boat measurements for validation, Refine the slick thickness algorithm, Conduct verification testing at Ohmsett and customization of the algorithm for different oil types, Develop a real-time analysis generating/information dissemination methodologies, and Conduct a real-time operational support demonstration flight.
The initial oil slick thickness algorithms have been developed. Crude oil samples sent from Ohmsett have been received. They will be used to test the equipment and algorithms at bench scale. Testing of the sensors over the Santa Barbara oil spills was successfully conducted October 12&13, 2005.
The sensor package was successfully tested during full-scale tests at Ohmsett May 8-12, 2006. The sensor package was tested in a fixed position on the Ohmsett observation tower and in an aerial mode while attached on a helicopter. The final report has been accepted by MMS. This project is complete.