Spectral characteristics of wheat associated with hydrocarbon microseepages

Spectra of wheat measured in the field in an oil-bearing area north of Changyi, south of the Yellow River delta in eastern China, were analysed to study the relations between spectral characteristics and hydrocarbon microseepage. Along two transects over known petroleum reservoirs, ethane gas contents measured in soil show high values above the oil-water contacts and faults. Delta carbonate contents also showed high values at these contacts. Both features are indicative of hydrocarbon microseepage. The red-edge positions of wheat spectra were calculated and found to be positioned at 744.43nm in areas of microseepage and 738.26nm in areas with no microseepage; a 7nm shift to longer wavelength (red shift). Furthermore, a regression analysis of the red-edge inflection point positions versus delta carbonate and ethane shows a statistically significant correlation indicating a possible relation between microseepage and spectral properties of wheat. This research demonstrates that at a field scale remote sensing can potentially be used to detect hydrocarbon microseepages in areas of agricultural monoculture.