Investigation of Oil Spill Distribution in the Southern Caspian Sea Affected by Seasonal Variability Impacts

Because of environmental sensitivity of the Caspian Sea, any subsea oil spills and blowouts can inflict destructive impacts on marine environment and cause catastrophic damage in the area. Employing mathematical simulation is one of the easiest and most effective prediction tools for understanding the oil spill behavior under various environmental forces. In this regard, Mike3D simulation package including 3D Flow and Ecolab-Oil Spill Modules were setup, verified and employed. Based on the environmental history of Caspian Sea area, it was decided to simulate the hydrodynamic behavior of the basin for the actual force driving parameters occurred in 1982. Then, according to various oil spill scenarios, it was attempted to simulate oil spill distribution in the basin for every season of the year. Results show how seasonal met-ocean parameters play as important key factors and can influence the oil spill transport and distribution in the area.