Oil spill model based on the kelvin wave theory and artificial wind field for the Persian Gulf

Oil spill simulation due to the wind and wave fields and tidal currents in the Persian Gulf by solution of the hydrodynamics and convection-diffusion equations have been presumed. Model consists of algorithms describing the processes of advection, surface spreading, horizontal and vertical dispersion, evaporation and emulsification. Tidal constituents have been obtained from co-tidal charts. Sea level and surface velocity has been determined by Kelvin Wave theory as a new hydrodynamic calibration tool to prepare flow pattern and successful speed-up procedure. Artificial wind field has been generated in order to prepare wind field time series in the accident interval. Performance of the hydrodynamic model for tidal currents in the Persian Gulf is examined and tested using measurement results by imposing tidal fluctuations to the main open boundary at the Hurmoz strait. The spill analysis model was setup using the flow field produced by the hydrodynamic model to simulate an accidental oil spill and its performance was further validated using the existing data at the Kish Island. Langevin equation for vertical dispersion has been calibrated for the considered domain. Comparison of the actual and simulated oil spill drift was found reasonably acceptable allowing for application in risk assessment analysis in the northern part of the Iranian waters.