Revision of MMS Offshore Continental Shelf Oil-Weathering Model: Evaluation

摘要

This report identifies needs and potentials for improvements in the Offshore211u001eContinential Shelf (OCS) Oil Weathering Model (OWM). Key tasks in the project 211u001ehave been conducting a teleconference with users of the OCS model, reviewing 211u001eexisting oil weathering models, surveying recent developments in model concepts 211u001eof oil weathering processes, and establishing an overview of available data sets 211u001efor model calibration and testing. Shortcomings are in general validated by the 211u001ereview of the OCS model presented in this report. The reasons for the most 211u001efrequent problems reported by the users of the model are also explained. 211u001ePotential modification or replacement of existing algorithms is discussed. The 211u001ereport concludes with recommendations for potential improvements of the OCS 211u001emodel, with acquisition of an existing model and empirical oil weathering 211u001edatabase as the preferred alternative in terms of both cost and quality.