Airborne mapping of chemical plumes in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita

• Published in: Proceedings of SPIE Vol. 6233; no. 1; pp. 62331X - 62331X-11
• Main Authors: Lewis, Paul E, Thomas, Mark J, Kroutil, Robert T, Combs, Roger, Cummings, Alan S, Miller, Dave, Curry, Tim, Shen, Sylvia S
• Format: Conference Proceeding Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: SPIE 17.04.2006
• ISBN: 9780819462893; 0819462896
• ISSN: 0277-786X
• DOI: 10.1117/12.669802

Infrared airborne spectral measurements were collected over the Gulf Coast area during the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. These measurements allowed surveillance for potentially hazardous chemical vapor releases from industrial facilities caused by storm damage. Data was collected with a mid-longwave infrared multispectral imager and a hyperspectral Fourier transform infrared spectrometer operating in a low altitude aircraft. Signal processing allowed detection and identification of targeted spectral signatures in the presence of interferents, atmospheric contributions, and thermal clutter. Results confirmed the presence of a number of chemical vapors. All detection results were immediately passed along to emergency first responders on the ground. The chemical identification, location, and vapor species concentration information were used by the emergency response ground teams for identification of critical plume releases and subsequent mitigation.