Abstract.In the last few years, Robust Satellite data analysis Techniques (RST) have been proposed and successfully applied for monitoring major natural and environmental risks. Among the various fields of application, RST analysis has been used as a suitable tool for satellite TIR surveys in seismically active regions, devoted to detect and monitor thermal anomalies possibly related to earthquake occurrence. In this work, RST has been applied, for the first time, to thermal infrared observations collected by MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) -the sensor onboard EOS (Earth Observing System) satellites -in the case of Abruzzo (Italy) earthquake occurred on 6 April 2009 (M L ∼5.8). First achievements, shown in this work, seem to confirm the sensitivity of the proposed approach in detecting perturbations of the Earths emission thermal field few days before the event. The reliability of such results, based on the analysis of 10 years of MODIS observations, seems to be supported by the results achieved analyzing the same area in similar observation conditions but in seismically unperturbed periods (no earthquakes with M L ≥5) that will be also presented.

Abstract. In this paper, the robust satellite techniques (RST), a multi-temporal scheme of satellite data analysis, was implemented to analyze the flaring activity of the Val d'Agri Oil Center (COVA), the largest Italian gas and oil pre-treatment plant, owned by Ente Nazionale Idrocarburi (ENI). For this site, located in an anthropized area characterized by a large environmental complexity, flaring emissions are mainly related to emergency conditions (i.e., waste flaring), as industrial processes are regulated by strict regional laws. While regarding the peculiar characteristics of COVA flaring, the main aim of this work was to assess the performances of RST in terms of sensitivity and reliability in providing independent estimations of gas flaring volumes in such conditions. In detail, RST was implemented for 13 years of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) medium and thermal infrared data in order to identify the highly radiant records associated with the COVA flare emergency discharges. Then, using data provided by ENI about gas flaring volumes in the period 2003-2009, a MODIS-based regression model was developed and tested. The results achieved indicate that the such a model is able to estimate, with a good level of accuracy (R 2 of 0.83), emitted gas flaring volumes at COVA.

Abstract:Monitoring river plume dynamics and variations in complex coastal areas can provide useful information to prevent marine environmental damage. In this work, the Robust Satellite Techniques (RST) approach has been implemented and tested on historical series of Aqua Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data to monitor, for the first time, Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) anomalies associated to river plumes. To this aim, MODIS-Aqua Level 1A data were processed using an atmospheric correction adequate for coastal waters, and SPM daily maps were generated applying an algorithm adapted from literature. The RST approach was then applied to these maps to assess the anomalous presence of SPM. The study area involves the Basilicata region coastal waters (Ionian Sea, South of Italy). A long-time analysis (2003)(2004)(2005)(2006)(2007)(2008)(2009)(2010)(2011)(2012)(2013)(2014)(2015) conducted for the month of December allows us to find that the maximum SPM concentration value was registered in December 2013, when an extreme hydrological event occurred. A short-time analysis was then carried out applying RST to monitor the dynamics of anomalous SPM concentrations. Finally, the most exposed areas, in terms of SPM concentration, were identified. The results obtained in this work showed the RST high potential when used in combination with standard SPM daily maps to better characterize and monitor coastal waters.