Evaluation of Surface Drifters For Satellite Tracking of Oil on the Sea

This study evaluates the ability of existing satellite-tracked (ARGOS) drifting buoys to simulate the movement of spilled crude oil. Drifters able to successfully track spilled oil will be useful for verification oil spill trajectory models which serve as inputs to of the Oil Spill Risk Analysis (OSRA) model currently used by the Minerals Management Service (MMS) to estimate the threats posed by spills occurring in Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) drilling areas to sensitive coastal areas. The current state of knowledge regarding the movement of oil at sea was first researched to define the drift characteristics the ideal drifter should possess. A list of existing ARGOS-compatible drifters was compiled. A comparison of buoy parameters such was made to eliminate the field to seven finalists. After a more detailed examination of the finalists the study concluded with the recommendation that five of the buoys be subjected to testing in the field to verify their oil tracking ability.