A NUMERICAL MODEL FOR SIMULATION OF OIL SPREADING AND TRANSPORT AND ITS APPLICATION FOR PREDICTING OIL SLICK MOVEMENT IN BAYS

A computer model for simulating oil spreading and transport has been developed. The model can be used as a useful tool in providing advance information and this may guide decisions for an effective response in control and clean-up once an accidental spill occurs. The spreading motion is simulated according to the physical properties of oil and its characteristics at the air-oil-water interfaces. The transport movement is handled by superimposing the spreading with a drift motion caused by winds and tidal currents. By condisering an oil slick as a summation of many elementary patches and applying the principle of superposition, the model is capable of predicting the oil size, shape, and movement as function of time after a spill originates. Field experiments using either cardboard markers or soybean oil to simulate a spill were conducted at the Long Beach Harbor. (Modified author abstract)

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Sponsored in part by Coast Guard Research and Development Center, Groton, Conn.
• Corporate Authors:

  Tetra Tech, Incorporated

  630 North Rosemead Boulevard
  Pasadena, CA  United States  91107
• Authors:
  • Wang, S
  • Hwang, L S
• Publication Date: 1974-2

Media Info

• Pagination: 115 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Dispersers; Dynamics; Oil spill cleanup; Oil spills; Water quality management
• Old TRIS Terms: Oil dispersal; Oil spill behavior; Oil spreading dynamics
• Subject Areas: Environment; Marine Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00057763
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: TT-P-345-74-1 Final Rpt.
• Contract Numbers: N00014-72-C-0366
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Oct 22 1974 12:00AM