title: Modelling of oil spills in confined maritime basins: The case for early response in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea.
abstract: Oil spill models are combined with bathymetric, meteorological, oceanographic, and geomorphological data to model a series of oil spill accidents in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. A total of 104 oil spill simulations, computed for 11 different locations in the Levantine Basin, show that oil slicks will reach the coast of Cyprus in four (4) to seven (7) days in summer conditions. Oil slick trajectories are controlled by prevailing winds and current eddies. Based on these results, we support the use of chemical dispersants in the very few hours after large accidental oil spills. As a corollary, we show shoreline susceptibility to vary depending on: a) differences in coastline morphology and exposure to wave action, b) the existence of uplifted wave-cut platforms, coastal lagoons and pools, and c) the presence of tourist and protected environmental areas. Mitigation work should take into account the relatively high susceptibility of parts of the Eastern Mediterranean.
authors.affiliation: 3D Seismic Lab, School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, Cardiff University, Main Building-Park Place, Cardiff CF10 3AT, United Kingdom. Electronic address: alvest@cardiff.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Tiago M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Alves
authors.affiliation: Department of Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering, Technological Educational Institute Crete, 3 Romanou Str. Chalepa, Chania, Crete GR 73133, Greece. Electronic address: ekokinou@chania.teicrete.gr.
authors.forename: Eleni
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kokinou
authors.affiliation: Oceanography Centre, University of Cyprus, P.O. Box 20537, 1678 Nicosia, Cyprus. Electronic address: gzodiac@ucy.ac.cy.
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Zodiatis
authors.affiliation: Oceanography Centre, University of Cyprus, P.O. Box 20537, 1678 Nicosia, Cyprus.
authors.forename: Robin
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lardner
authors.affiliation: Department of Business Administration, Technological Educational Institute Crete, Agios Nikolaos, Greece. Electronic address: cpanag@staff.teicrete.gr.
authors.forename: Costas
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Panagiotakis
authors.affiliation: Oceanography Centre, University of Cyprus, P.O. Box 20537, 1678 Nicosia, Cyprus.
authors.forename: Hari
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Radhakrishnan
mesh_terms: D003198:Computer Simulation; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D008522:Mediterranean Sea; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D059392:Petroleum Pollution / Q000032:analysis*; D012621:Seasons
keywords: Bathymetry; Chemical dispersants; Eastern Mediterranean; Oceanography; Oil spill simulations