Study Compares 2D and 3D Model Simulations of Oil Plume Behavior
June 4, 2019
June 4, 2019 Scientists assessed an economical 2D model simulation of deep-ocean oil plume dynamics against 3D model results using conditions similar to Deepwater Horizon to better understand point-source buoyant convection, which affects the oil’s spreading rate and environmental impact. The 2D model worked best for thermal plumes without bubbles. Although the 2D model successfully […]
read articleThe perplexing physics of oil dispersants
May 28, 2019
PNAS: News Feature: May 28, 2019 Massive amounts of oil, gas, and dispersant streamed into the Gulf of Mexico during the Deepwater Horizon disaster. Understanding the chemistry and physics of this mix as it churned through the salt water turns out to be an exceedingly complex problem with plenty of unknowns. On April 30, 2010, […]
read articleGrad Student Lodise Deconstructs Drifter Velocities to Understand How Wind Influences Currents
February 20, 2019
February 20, 2019 Many ocean forecast models treat the upper 1 meter of the water column, which plays a central role in ocean material transport, as a single layer. However, recent research shows that currents act differently at various depths within this meter. The use of ocean drifters is the oldest way to measure currents, […]
read articleGrad Student Pearson Resolves Statistical Conflict in Submesoscale Ocean Processes
January 22, 2019
January 22, 2019 Ocean models that utilize surface drifter data can provide oil spill responders with important information about the floating oil’s direction and speed as it moves along the ocean surface. However, surface drifters, like the floating material they represent, tend to cluster along strong fronts and eddies. This clustering can result in important […]
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