Pablo Otero

Efficient tools for marine operational forecast and oil spill tracking

Ocean forecasting and oil spill modelling and tracking are complex activities requiring specialised institutions. In this work we present a lighter solution based on the Operational Ocean Forecast Python Engine (OOFε) and the oil spill model General NOAA Operational Modelling Environment (GNOME). These two are robust relocatable and simple to implement and maintain. Implementations of the operational engine in three different regions with distinct oceanic systems, using the ocean model Regional Ocean Modelling System (ROMS), are described, namely the Galician region, the southeastern Brazilian waters and the Texas-Louisiana shelf. GNOME was able to simulate the fate of the Prestige oil spill (Galicia) and compared well with observations of the Krimsk accident (Texas). Scenarios of hypothetical spills in Campos Basin (Brazil) are illustrated, evidencing the sensitiveness to the dynamical system. OOFε and GNOME are proved to be valuable, efficient and low cost tools and can be seen as an intermediate stage towards more complex operational implementations of ocean forecasting and oil spill modelling strategies.

Coastal exposure to oil spill impacts from the Finisterre Traffic Separation Scheme

This study analyzes the coastal exposure to potential oil spills coming from the various corridors that constitute the Finisterre Traffic Separation Scheme (NW Iberia). A Lagrangian model was executed with results from a realistic configuration of an ocean model during 2012, validated here against High-Frequency (HF) radar-derived surface currents. Virtual particles were released each hour and followed during the next 4 days. A series of maps summarize which regions would be impacted and when. We have learnt, for example, that Cape Finisterre is the most affected area under a wide range of scenarios and that a sensitive area such as the National Park of the Atlantic Islands would require protective actions in less than 24 h if oil spills from the south eventually occurred. A complete analysis by corridor and during specific wind events is available through a web tool, which could be useful for decision makers in case of contingency.

A surface ocean trajectories visualization tool and its initial application to the Galician coast

Alavai is a free tool built with Processing to visualize forecasts of drift trajectories in the sea in a very fast and user-friendly graphic environment. It plots trajectories of both passive particles trapped near the ocean surface and oil slicks. Input data come from an operational configuration of the ROMS ocean model focused on the Euroregion Galicia (Spain) - North Portugal, however, this tool is easily adaptable to run with outputs coming from any operational high resolution ocean model configuration. The Prestige accident is used here in hindcast mode to demonstrate the main characteristics of Alavai. Display Omitted A free, fast and friendly tool to visualize ocean surface drift is disseminated.It is easily adaptable to any high resolution ocean model configuration.3-days forecast oil spill and passive surface particles trajectories are plotted.The usefulness is demonstrated in hindcast mode during the Prestige accident.