Use of Applied Oceanography in Stochastic Modeling of Oil Spills on the Outer Continental Shelf

The Department of the Interior analyzes the likelihood and potential impacts of oil spills associated with production and transportation of oil in Federal waters of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). A computerized simulation model, the Oil Spill Risk Analysis (OSRA), is used to provide the quantitative basis for oil spill risk assessment in the preparation of Environmental Impact Statements as part of the offshore leasing process. The oceanographic research program which supports the OSRA model is outlined with emphasis on the application of study results for each OCS Region: Atlantic, Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, and Alaska. The representation of winds and surface currents used to simulate the transport of spilled oil (as modeled by OSRA) is discussed, including circulation models currently in use and planned for each Region.