DOOSIM—A NEW SIMULATION MODEL FOR OIL SPILL MANAGEMENT

Abstract

ABSTRACT A new oil spill simulation model has been developed as a part of the research program Dispersion of Oil On Sea (DOOS). The model includes features such as simulation of drift and fate of oil on the surface and in the water column, as well as effects of cleanup measures (mechanical recovery, application of chemical dispersants). The model utilizes the particle-in-fluid concept, where the oil spill is represented by a large number of particles in different states, i.e., on the surface, entrained in the water column, or evaporated. The near surface current shear is taken into account in the wind induced component of the drift, in terms of a two layer approach (reduced wind drift factor for entrained oil). In the design of the model, major efforts have been made to obtain a system which is easy to operate. This has led to a system consisting of three modules: one for entry of user-specified inputs, one for simulating an actual spill, and one for graphical presentation.