A REVIEW OF METHODS TO TRACK OIL IN THE ARCTIC ENVIRONMENT

A review of available literature on the tracking of oil in Arctic environments was conducted. The effectiveness of satellite and aircraft mounted detection devices used in locating oil-on-water, ice or in an ice/water mixture was examined. Oil spill tracking buoys and devices, both micro and macro scale, were also reviewed with their applicability to the Arctic environment detailed. Recommendations were made for the U.S. Coast Guard to use ARGOS system buoys on Arctic oil spills for long term tracking of movement. An additional recommendation was made for the future testing of the HU-25A mounted AIREYE surveillance system or an HC- 130 mounted sensor package on oil spilled in an Arctic environment.