Dynamics of Marine Oil Spills

Abstract

The Black Sea faces substantial hydrocarbon pollution risks from both continental sources, such as the Danube River, and offshore oil and gas drilling operations. This study investigates the potential environmental impact of accidental oil spills in the region by analysing the dispersion and propagation of pollutants under varying meteorological and oceanographic conditions. Using the PISCES II simulation software, the research evaluates the behaviour of three distinct hydrocarbons: Cold Lake Diluent, ADGO, and Kirkuk. The study systematically analyses how their core physicochemical properties—namely density, volatility, viscosity, and emulsification capacity—interact with different environmental variables, including air and water temperatures, wind speed, and sea currents. The findings indicate that physicochemical characteristics fundamentally dictate oil slick evolution. Highly volatile substances (Cold Lake Diluent) evaporate rapidly to form thin, unstable films, whereas dense, highly viscous hydrocarbons (ADGO) create thick, persistent slicks. Temperature acts as a primary amplifier of these initial processes, while wind serves as the dominant force driving dispersion and coastal transport, working synergistically with marine currents. Complete mechanical recovery of large-scale spills is practically impossible due to resource limitations and the rapid mixing of oil with seawater. Consequently, mathematical modelling of slick evolution is vital. These predictive simulations are essential for assessing environmental impacts, significantly reducing intervention times, and establishing optimal response strategies for the containment and removal of petroleum products from marine ecosystems.