Models for predicting the transport of radionuclides in the Red Sea

Abstract

Two radionuclide transport models for the Red Sea are described: a Lagrangian model to deal with emergency situations and a Eulerian model better suited to longer term simulations, as for instance required in case of chronic radionuclide releases. Baroclinic circulation is obtained for both transport models from HYCOM ocean model. The Lagrangian model also includes tides, which are obtained from a standard tidal model customized to the Red Sea, and currents induced by local winds. Both models describe exchanges of radionuclides between water and sediments. A number of simulations were carried out to illustrate capabilities of the models. Additionally, flushing times over the Red Sea were evaluated with the Eulerian model, as another example of model use.