The choice of droplet size probability distribution function for oil spill modeling is not trivial

The droplet size distribution (DSD) formed by gas-saturated oil jets is one of the most important characteristics flow to understand and model fate uncontrolled deep-sea spills. shape DSD, generally modeled as a theoretical lognormal, Rosin-Rammler or non-fundamental function, defines mass volume range droplets. Yet, fundamental DSD has received much less attention than median (d50) during ten years research following Deepwater Horizon (DWH) blowout. To better importance function we compare rising time, surface mass, sedimented beached masses for different DSDs derived from DWH literature in idealized applied conditions, while keeping d50 constant. We highlight substantial differences, showing that probability far-field modeling is, regardless d50, consequential spill response.