Development of a Coastal Oil Spill Model

Gundlach, Erick R.; Reed, Mark; Spaulding, Malcolm L.; ,

Development of a Coastal Oil Spill Model

by Erick R. Gundlach, E-Tech Inc, Narragansett, RI, USA,
Mark Reed, E-Tech Inc, Narragansett, RI, USA,
Malcolm L. Spaulding, E-Tech Inc, Narragansett, RI, USA,

Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Coastal Zone '87

Abstract:

An integrated coastal oil spill model (designated 'SMEAR') is being developed for Minerals Management Service, Alaska, with broad application to all coastal environments. This model will take oil onshore and interact with the shoreline, varying with shoreline type, nearshore currents, and wave activity. It will also be integrated with other model components representing offshore trajectory, chemical weathering, and oil/particulate matter interaction. The oil/shoreline interaction component of the model is based on the generation of removal rates for eight widely applicable shoreline types. Removal rates are based on observations taken at several large oil spills, and the BIOS Canadian field-oiling program. For beaches, which are subdivided into beach face and backshore compartments, removal also varies with tidal level and wave height. For all eight shoreline types, a maximum oil holding capacity is determined.

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