A theoretical model to estimate the oil burial depth on sandy beaches: A new oil spill management tool

作者：Bernabeu Ana M; Fernandez Fernandez Sandra; Rey Daniel

来源：Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2016, 109(1): 361-372.

DOI：10.1016/j.marpolbu1.2016.05.052

• Oil spill
• Oil burial depth
• Equilibrium beach profile
• Shoreline evolution
• Modelling

In oiled sandy beaches, unrecovered fuel can be buried up to several metres. This study proposes a theoretical approach to oil burial estimation along the intertidal area. First, our results revealed the existence of two main patterns in seasonal beach profile behaviour. Type A is characterized by intertidal slopes of time-constant steepness which advance/recede parallel to themselves in response to changing wave conditions. Type B is characterized by slopes of time-varying steepness which intersect at a given point in the intertidal area. This finding has a direct influence on the definition of oil depth. Type A pattern exhibits oil burial along the entire intertidal area following decreasing wave energy, while the type B pattern combines burial in high intertidal and exhumation in mid and/or low intertidal zones, depending on the position of the intersection point. These outcomes should be incorporated as key tools in future oil spill management programs.

• 出版日期2016-8-15