Performance and Compatibility Analysis of Four Oil-Spill Fate Computer Models
Authors: Coon M.D. , Knoke G.S. , Stika M.A. 
Published: October 2008

Computer models which simulate the transport and fate of spilled oil are important tools in environmental assessment. The integrated model presented here is constructed from four codes addressing ocean circulation and oil spill trajectories, oil weathering, oil/suspended particulate matter interaction, and oil spill fates in the coastal zone. This model is the cornerstone of a system of models which produce an oil spill cleanup plan.

INTRODUCTION

Great technological strides have taken place in recent years in light of the need to mitigate environmental damage from oil spills in us navigable waters. However, the technology has yet to be integrated into a workable system. A systems approach will aid the technology transition. The first step in this approach is to accurately define the location and amount of oil over time for oil spill incidents. This paper presents a systems approach toward the oil spill cleanup problem and concentrates on the cornerstone of the approach: the integration of four oil spill fate computer models.

A SYSTEMS APPROACH

The systems approach contains four phases: an integrated oil fate model, a resource scheduling model, a contingency planner, and a simulator trainer. The relationships among these phases are depicted in Figure 1. The integrated oil fate model quantifies the oil spill scenario. It predicts the fate of an oil spill by addressing the details of surf interaction, transport in the open ocean, weathering, and suspended particulate matter interaction. This quantified oil spill scenario is used by phase 2, the resource scheduling model. The scheduling model solves the general-constrained resource scheduling problem. The results of this model include the number and type of equipment required to clean up an oil spill along with a schedule of the activities performed by each piece of equipment.

Phase 3 and 4 both use information from the integrated oil fate model and the resource scheduling model. The contingency planner, phase 3, develops an inventory of equipment and manpower from the resource scheduling model and characteristics of oil spill scenarios from the integrated oil fate model. The range of oil spills chosen for the contingency plan are statistically representative of the region under study. With this information a contingency plan can be developed to provide pre-spill deployment and post-spill mobilization plans of cleanup equipment. Phase 4, the simulator trainer, is designed to teach resource allocation under a variety of circumstances. It is intended to train individuals who must direct oil spill response operations, allocate limited resources, and face real-world circumstances such as rough seas. It contains a variety of oil spill scenarios based on the results of the integrated oil spill fate model, environmental data, and oil spill data. It also contains the heart of the resource scheduling model as well as its database of cleanup techniques and equipment capabilities. Using this trainer, the individuals practice resource allocation at a computer in a relaxed atmosphere so they can make better allocation decisions in an emergency atmosphere.