Numerical simulation of oil spills in a generalized domain

Abstract

A numerical model has been developed to simulate the time-space evolution of oil spills in marine environments of arbitrary and complex geometry. The model is applicable to gravity-viscosity regimes, i.e. up to 1 week for large spills, and takes into account dispersion caused by wind, tides and currents, spreading and evaporation, as well as accumulation and dispersion along the shorelines.

The computer model is tested against data reportedfrom the Amoco Cadiz accident, with satisfactory agreement on the extent and location of the slick. The model is also used to simulate and estimate the consequences of a hypothetical accidental spill occurring in the vicinity of the Tarragona harbour during transportation or unloading operations of crude oil. This is of importance because the Mediterranean coast of Tarragona, and in particular the Costa Daurada region, is one of the leading European tourist resorts.