Modelling the movement of pollutants in the UK shelf seas

The EUROSPILL oil and chemical spill model has been extended to include the transport due to residual currents in the UK shelf seas. Wind-driven circulation patterns for the winter and summer have been derived, and the annual mean (long-term) flow pattern estimated. Current speeds during the winter are typically of the order of 0.05-0.10 m s^-1, the summer values show a similar spatial pattern but are considerably weaker. Trajectories over a period of 100 days are presented for a selection of release points arranged on a regular latitude/longitude grid. Estimates of patch size after 300 days are given for releases from sites of heavy shipping and offshore exploration. Use of the method for accident simulation is demonstrated by considering the likely spread of Lindane spilled in the English Channel during March 1989.