Prediction of the dispersal of oil transport in the Caspian Sea resulting from a continuous release

A 3-D hybrid flow/transport model has been developed to predict the dispers al of oil pollution in coastal waters. The transport module of the model ta kes predetermined current and turbulent diffusivities and uses Lagrangian t racking to predict the motion of individual particles (droplets), the sum o f which constitute a hypothetical oil spill. Currents and turbulent diffusi vities used in the model have been generated by a numerical ocean circulati on model (Princeton ocean model) implemented for the Caspian Sea. The basic processes affecting the fate of the oil spill are taken into account and p arameterized in the transport model. The hybrid model is implemented for a simulated continuous release in the c oastal waters of the Caspian Sea. The potential of the model for the predic tion of the advective and turbulent transport and dispersal of oil spills i s demonstrated. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.