An analysis of remotely sensed imagery of the Exxon Valdez oil spill is described and the usefulness of the various wavelengths and platforms available (Landsat, AVHRR, SPOT) is discussed. The spill was sufficiently large that the main body could be detected by the low resolution (I km) AVHRR system. However the higher resolution of Landsat TM and SPOT (30 m and 10 m) was required to identify individual features such as windrows, etc. The utility and uniqueness of a multispectral TM signature developed lo identify spilled oil is discussed in detail with reference to direct terrestrial measurements of oil reflectance and the possibility of other sources of the signature such as ocean vegetation and direct reflectance from some beach materials. Other directly observable ocean parameters such as sea surface temperature and suspended sediment were noted and incorporated into the analysis in terms of ocean circulation and the creation of weathered spill products such as 'tar balls’. The 'mid-infrared’ (TM band 5) provided the strongest component of the oil signature. However, the spill was observable in other wavelengths as well, including the thermal infrared where at various times and locations it appeared either warmer or cooler than the surrounding waters. These observations are discussed in terms of oil emissivity and reflected solar radiation.