Numerical Modeling of the Interactions of Oil, Marine Snow, and Riverine Sediments in the Ocean

Authors

Anusha L. Dissanayake, University of Georgia
Adrian B. Burd, University of Georgia
Kendra L. Daly, University of South FloridaFollow
Simone Francis, University of California, Santa Barbara
Uta Passow, University of California, Santa Barbara

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

8-2018

Keywords

Marine Oil Snow, numerical model, Deepwater Horizon, aggregation model, Gulf of Mexico, oil spill model

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.1029/2018JC013790

Abstract

Natural or spilled oil in the ocean can interact with marine snow and sediment from riverine sources and form Marine Oil Snow (MOS) aggregates including aggregates consisting of phytoplankton, detritus, and feces. Such aggregates have a fractal structure and can transport oil from the surface layers to greater depths in the ocean, eventually settling on the seafloor. In recent studies of the Deepwater Horizon and IXTOC‐1 oil spills in the Gulf of Mexico, this process was identified as one of the main mechanisms for transporting oil vertically in the water column. We have adapted a stochastic, one‐dimensional numerical model that uses coagulation theory to simulate MOS formation and sinking in the ocean and predict the time evolution of physical properties and spatial distribution of MOS. Here we present the model development, calibration, and validation with measured MOS field data in the Gulf of Mexico during the Deepwater Horizon spill. We use a sensitivity analysis to identify critical parameters, and suggest future model improvements and areas where further experimental investigation is needed to improve our understanding of MOS formation and sedimentation. The model can be used during response and planning activities associated with oil spills in the marine environments.

Rights Information

Terms of use for work posted in Scholar Commons.

Was this content written or created while at USF?

Yes

Citation / Publisher Attribution

Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans, v. 123, issue 8, p. 5388-5405

Scholar Commons Citation

Dissanayake, Anusha L.; Burd, Adrian B.; Daly, Kendra L.; Francis, Simone; and Passow, Uta, "Numerical Modeling of the Interactions of Oil, Marine Snow, and Riverine Sediments in the Ocean" (2018). Marine Science Faculty Publications. 882.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/msc_facpub/882