Oil Spill Spread Simulator

Model the trajectory, expansion, and dispersion of an oil slick based on environmental factors.

1. Spill Properties
Volume (Barrels) 10,000 bbl
2. Ocean Currents
Speed 1.0 kt
Direction (From) 90° E
3. Wind Conditions
Speed 10 kt
Direction (From) 45° NE
4. Timeline (0 - 72 Hours)
Time Elapsed
0.0
Hours
0.00 km Drift Distance
0.0 km² Est. Area Affected
Wind Vector (3%)
Current Vector (100%)
Grid = 20x20 km

How does oil move on the ocean?

Predicting an oil spill's trajectory requires modeling complex environmental interactions. The two dominant forces are:

  • Ocean Currents: The underlying water currents carry the oil slick with them almost perfectly. The oil moves at 100% of the current's speed and direction.
  • Wind: Wind pushes the surface of the water, dragging the oil along. Because it is only acting on the surface, the oil typically moves at about 3% of the wind's speed.

Vector Addition & Dispersion: To find where the oil will go, scientists use vector addition. They combine the 100% current vector with the 3% wind vector to create a new "Net Drift Vector". Over time, this net drift carries the oil away from the origin, while the natural spreading forces of gravity cause the slick to grow wider, form iridescent sheens, and break apart into trailing clumps.