TelePIX, a space artificial intelligence (AI) comprehensive solution corporations, said on the 12th that its analysis of a band-shaped anomalous area observed in waters near Iran's Kharg Island indicates a high possibility that it is an actual marine oil sheen.
Earlier, satellite images captured what appeared to be a large oil slick in the sea west of Kharg Island in the Gulf. Kharg Island is considered a key crude oil export hub for Iran. However, Iran officially denied the suspicion through state media, saying, "No signs of crude oil leakage have been found around Kharg Island."
In response, TelePIX conducted satellite image analysis of the waters on the 8th. The analysis used synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite imagery from Sentinel-1 of the European Space Agency (ESA), optical satellite imagery from Sentinel-2, sea wind data based on European meteorological satellites, and an ocean numerical model. The company said it determined the nature of the anomalous area by cross-checking different observation methods and environmental data.
As a result of the analysis, images from Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 taken on the 6th both identified an anomalous area with a similar shape in the same location.
In the Sentinel-1 SAR image, a reduction in sea surface backscatter that can appear over an oil layer was observed. This occurs when an oil film damps small waves on the sea surface, lowering radar backscatter. TelePIX said the backscattering coefficient in the area was analyzed to be far lower than the general sea surface, at -25 dB or less.
In the Sentinel-2 optical imagery, the same location showed reflectance characteristics different from the surrounding sea. A pattern of reflecting light more strongly than the ocean across multiple spectral bands was identified, a feature that can appear with a thick oil film.
Analyses of meteorological and ocean conditions also added weight to the possibility of an oil sheen. TelePIX noted that wind speeds in the waters at the time were 8 meters per second or higher, making it unlikely that a natural sea surface phenomenon that can occur in light winds was mistaken for an oil sheen.
Using a Lagrangian particle-tracking model-based simulation, the company also predicted the movement path for the next seven days. The anomalous area suspected to be an oil sheen was found to have the potential to move and spread across the Persian Gulf under the influence of currents and wind. The method used assumes the spill point as numerous particles and calculates time-dependent movement and dispersion potential by incorporating the effects of currents and wind.
Kwon Darongsae, chief data scientist at TelePIX, said, "Kharg Island is a core crude oil export hub for Iran, so this analysis is meaningful as a case of quickly detecting and analyzing satellite-based anomalies linked to the global maritime and energy supply chain."
TelePIX plans to quantify the affected area and spill volume through additional analysis and improve the accuracy of movement and dispersion predictions for the oil sheen. It also plans to continuously monitor time-series changes in the waters by using its in-house developed and operated AI cubesat "Bluebon," as well as high-resolution SAR images and hyperspectral data.