Coral spawn and bathymetric slicks in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data from the Timor Sea, north-west Australia

• Published in: International journal of remote sensing Vol. 27; no. 10; pp. 2063 - 2069
• Main Authors: Jones, A. T., Thankappan, M., Logan, G. A., Kennard, J. M., Smith, C. J., Williams, A. K., Lawrence, G. M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Taylor & Francis 01.05.2006; Taylor and Francis
• Subjects: Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Applied geophysics; Biological and medical sciences; Earth sciences; Earth, ocean, space; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General aspects. Techniques; Internal geophysics; Marine; Teledetection and vegetation maps; West Pacific; Australia; North Australian Seas; Timor Sea; ISEW, Australia, Northern Terr; ISEW, Timor Sea; ocean currents; shoals; Australasia; Space remote sensing; exhibits; reefs; multibeam sounders; velocity; carbonates; backscattering; evaluation; synthetic aperture radar; environment impact; channels; interpretation; bathymetry; Pacific Ocean
• ISSN: 0143-1161; 1366-5901
• DOI: 10.1080/01431160500445308

Annular- to crescent-shaped low backscatter SAR slicks over carbonate reefs and shoals in the Timor Sea that exhibit 'feathering', and within the coral spawning period for the region, are interpreted to be caused by a coral spawn event. This represents the first time that such an event has been interpreted through satellite remote sensing. Additionally, ocean current data and detailed swath bathymetry of the sea floor to the south-east of the coral spawn slicks suggest that elongate repeating slicks in this area are related to current flow over submarine channels. Assessment of these slicks in association with ancillary data, such as bathymetry, current velocities, weather, and timing of SAR acquisition allow a more robust interpretation of their origins. Through differentiating coral spawn and bathymetric slicks from oil and other biological slicks in shallow carbonate systems, such as the Timor Sea, petroleum and environmental assessments for these areas can be improved.