Development of the CSOMIO Coupled Ocean-Oil-Sediment- Biology Model

The fate and dispersal of oil in the ocean is dependent upon dynamics, as well transformations resulting from interaction with microbial community suspended particles. These processes are parameterized many models limiting their ability to accurately simulate for subsurface spill events. This paper presents a coupled ocean-oil-biology-sediment modeling system developed by Consortium Simulation Oil-Microbial Interactions Ocean (CSOMIO) project. A key objective CSOMIO project was develop evaluate framework simulating marine environment, including its food webs sediments. based on Coupled Ocean-Atmosphere-Wave-Sediment Transport model (COAWST). Central CSOMIO’s an plume hydrodynamic (Regional Modeling System, ROMS). Lagrangian approach that describes dynamics advection diffusion individual elements, each representing cluster droplets. chemical composition described terms three classes compounds: saturates, aromatics, heavy (resins asphaltenes). simulates rise droplets ambient flow density fields, size also includes surface evaporation wind drift. novel component two-way Lagrangian-Eulerian mapping characteristics. necessary implementing interactions between ocean-oil module Eulerian sediment biogeochemical modules. modification Community Sediment System. formation oil-particle aggregates water column. communities adapted local environment elevated concentrations components modules both reduce column components. provides overview demonstrates capabilities test experiments.