Influence of projected climatic conditions and varying lateral points of release on oil slick transport in a tide-dominated estuary

Oil spills in estuarine systems can strongly endanger habitats and water quality. However, the impacts of projected climatic conditions on oil spill transport environments have received little attention. To address these key gaps, we analyse here a range simulations for Humber Estuary, UK, using coupled hydrodynamic model. These indicate that, this well-mixed macro-tidal estuary: (a) influence sea level rise river discharge slick impacted area, length overall distance travelled is relatively minor (<10%); (b) magnitude currents determines differences dynamics between slicks released along estuary length; (c) lateral current speed direction are determinants width. The implications findings operational response estuaries similar to Estuary are: (i) need be aware dominant different segments estuary; (ii) take cognisance interaction bank how it influences by slicks. • Presents first analysis dynamics. Influence (<10%). Proximity riverbank transport.