A new stochastic model for oil spill observation by means of single-look SAR data

In this paper, the sensitivity of the three parameters generalized K-distribution, as descriptors of dark features over marine single-look SAR images, is investigated. The working hypothesis is that the generalized K-distribution, which is 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 (which is descriptor of land areas, i.e. islands), the Rice case (which is descriptor of areas in which is present a dominant scatterer, i.e. ships) and the K distribution (which is descriptor of oil free areas). The reference data set is provided by the ESA under the CAT-1 Project C1P-2769.