The fate and weathering of surface oil from the bravo blowout

Abstract

This paper presents a description of the drift spreading, dissipation and weathering of the oil on the surface following the Bravo blowout. Simulation of the drift, spread and dissipation of the oil on the surface is compared with field data. The dissipation computations are based upon a simple one-parameter budget model. Tidal currents are included in the drift (spreading) computations. The results of the computations show fair agreement with the observations. Drift card releases and statistical computations are also presented which illustrate the fortunate timing of the spill with regard to coastal pollution.