Assessment of Oil Spill Dispersion and Weathering Processes in Saronic Gulf

An operational oil spill model is applied to assess the dispersive properties of oil and reveal the relative magnitude of weathering processes following an accidental spill near the main Greek harbor of Piraeus, situated within Saronic Gulf. We conduct numerical simulations using the OpenOil transport and fate numerical model, a subclass of the Open Drift open-source trajectory framework. This model will incorporate algorithms encompassing various physical processes, including oil entrainment, vertical mixing, oil resurfacing, and oil emulsification. The oil dispersion model is coupled with real-time met-ocean forecasts obtained from Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service (CMEMS). The primary focus of the simulation results will be on assessing the impact of speed, direction, and distance covered, driven by the background flow field, on the horizontal spreading of particles. Additionally, the study will analyze the evolution of oil mass balance and properties over time. The research will commence with the operational coupling of OpenOil with winds derived from the Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) model. Subsequently, enhancements are made in the parameterization of oil weathering processes, such as biodegradation, with the aim of improving the accuracy of the model in capturing the fate and behavior of spilled oil over time. These refinements are expected to yield valuable insights into the management and mitigation of oil spill incidents in marine environments, particularly in regions like Saronic Gulf, characterized by high maritime traffic and potential environmental vulnerability.