title: Coastal exposure to oil spill impacts from the Finisterre Traffic Separation Scheme.
abstract: This study analyzes the coastal exposure to potential oil spills coming from the various corridors that constitute the Finisterre Traffic Separation Scheme (NW Iberia). A Lagrangian model was executed with results from a realistic configuration of an ocean model during 2012, validated here against High-Frequency (HF) radar-derived surface currents. Virtual particles were released each hour and followed during the next 4 days. A series of maps summarize which regions would be impacted and when. We have learnt, for example, that Cape Finisterre is the most affected area under a wide range of scenarios and that a sensitive area such as the National Park of the Atlantic Islands would require protective actions in less than 24 h if oil spills from the south eventually occurred. A complete analysis by corridor and during specific wind events is available through a web tool, which could be useful for decision makers in case of contingency.
authors.affiliation: Instituto Español de Oceanografía, C.O.A Coruña. Paseo Marítimo Alcalde Francisco Vázquez, 10, 15001 A Coruña, Spain. Electronic address: otero_pablo@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Otero
authors.affiliation: Instituto Español de Oceanografía, C.O.A Coruña. Paseo Marítimo Alcalde Francisco Vázquez, 10, 15001 A Coruña, Spain.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ruiz-Villarreal
authors.affiliation: Instituto Tecnolóxico para o Control do Medio Mariño de Galicia, Peirao de Vilaxoán s/n, 36611 Vilagarcía de Arousa, Pontevedra, Spain.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Allen-Perkins
authors.affiliation: Instituto Tecnolóxico para o Control do Medio Mariño de Galicia, Peirao de Vilaxoán s/n, 36611 Vilagarcía de Arousa, Pontevedra, Spain.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Vila
authors.affiliation: Instituto Español de Oceanografía, C.O. Vigo, Subida a Radio Faro, 50, 36390 Vigo, Spain.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Cabanas
mesh_terms: D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D005843:Geography; D006838:Hydrocarbons / Q000032:analysis; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009792:Oceans and Seas; D059392:Petroleum Pollution / Q000032:analysis*; D011336:Probability; D011825:Radar; D013997:Time Factors; D014873:Water Pollutants / Q000032:analysis; D014919:Wind
chemical_list: D006838:Hydrocarbons; D014873:Water Pollutants
keywords: Galicia; HF radar; Oil spill; Portugal; ROMS; Traffic Separation Scheme