A New Stochastic Model for Oil Spill Observation by Means of Single-Look SAR Data

In this paper sensitivity of generalized K-distribution of three parameters as descriptors of dark features over marine single-look SAR images is investigated. The working hypothesis is that the generalized K- distribution, a three parameters probability density function (pdf), is a suitable speckle model for marine SAR images ensuring a continuous and physically consistent transition among different scattering scenarios. This speckle model can embody the Rayleigh case (a descriptor of land areas e.g. islands), the Rice case (a descriptor of the areas in which dominant scatter e.g. ships are present ) and the K distribution (a descriptor of oil free areas).The reference data set is provided by the ESA under the CAT-1 Project C1P-2769.