Numerical Modelling of Oil Spill Transport in Tide-Dominated Estuaries: A Case Study of Humber Estuary, UK

Oil spills in estuaries are less studied and understood than their oceanic counterparts. To address this gap, we present a detailed analysis of estuarine oil spill transport. We develop analyse range simulations for the Humber Estuary, using coupled hydrodynamic model. The models were driven by river discharge at boundaries tidal height data offshore boundary. Satisfactory model performance was obtained both calibration validation. Some novel findings made: (a) there is statistically significant (p < 0.05) difference influence conditions (tidal range, stage discharge) on slick transport; (b) because seasonal variation discharge, winter slicks released high water did not exhibit any upstream displacement over repeated cycles, while summer travelled into estuary cycles. implications these operational response are: (i) need to take cognisance time release within cycle; (ii) understand how interaction influences dynamics, as will aid responders assessing likely trajectories.