Revisions of the ADIOS oil spill model

For several years, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Hazardous Materials Response Division (NOAA/HAZMAT) has been using and distributing the computer software package called ADIOS (Automated Data Inquiry for Oil Spills) to aid responders in oil spill cleanup. ADIOS forecasts the weathering processes and characteristics of oil slicks. Based on new research results and analysis since the first version was released, a major update revises and improves previous algorithms, plus adds new modules for other weathering processes and for spill cleanup strategies. The weathering processes included in the new version, called ADIOS2, are spreading, evaporation, dispersion, sedimentation, and emulsification. The user cleanup options are dispersants, in-situ burning, and skimming. Different types of release scenarios can be simulated and the user is allowed to enter ranges for selected input variables with the resulting uncertainty displayed in the model output.