MODELING THE BEHAVIOR OF CRUDE-OIL SPILLS IN SHALLOW BODIES OF WATER

In order to evaluate the risk of pollution related to the petroleum in dustry in Llancanelo saltwater lake, an accurate numerical model of wa ter contamination using the finite element method and the finite diffe rence method is discussed. The study area is located in the south of t he Mendoza province (Argentine). In 1980 it was declared a faunistic r eserve and it constitutes a genetic bank of worldwide importance. This site represents a special environmental area for wild life, and it co vers a diversity of habitats which can support many types of resident migratory species. Nearby of the occidental coast of this shallow body of water, there are many active oil fields. Contaminants from oil spi lls can enter the lake from river inflows, from runoff and from adjace nt lands influenced by water body dynamics. Within the lake, contamina nts are transported by convective currents, disperssive processes and many other complex phenomena that finally kill sensitive individuals o r disturb nesting zones. Due to the scale and seasonal variability of the lake perimeter, the numerical simulation models are calibrated and updated by the use of satellital images. The final goal is to predict ecological impacts of petroleum contamination and to evaluate remedia tion actions proposed to overcome these impacts.