Oil Slick Transport in Rivers

Abstract

A computer model for oil slick transformation in rivers is developed and applied to simulate the fate of oil spills in the connecting channels of the upper Great Lakes. In this model, the transport of the surface oil slick is simulated by a Lagrangian discrete‐parcel algorithm. The model simulates either continuous or instantaneous oil spills and can be used for both open water and ice‐covered conditions. Oil slick transformation processes considered in the model include advection, mechanical spreading, horizontal turbulent diffusion, evaporation, dissolution, and shoreline deposition. The model can be used to develop cleanup measures in the case of an actual spill and to assess likely environmental impacts of possible spills.