Nearshore dynamics of artificial sand and oil agglomerates
Weathered oil can mix with sediment to form heavier-than-water sand and oil agglomerates (SOAs) that can cause beach re-oiling for years after a spill. Few studies have focused on the physical dynamics of SOAs. In this study, artificial SOAs (aSOAs) were created and deployed in the nearshore, and shear stress-based mobility formulations were assessed to predict SOA response. Prediction sensitivity to uncertainty in hydrodynamic conditions and shear stress parameterizations were explored. Critical stress estimates accounting for large particle exposure in a mixed bed gave the best predictions of mobility under shoaling and breaking waves. In the surf zone, the 10-cm aSOA was immobile and began to bury in the seafloor while smaller size classes dispersed alongshore. aSOAs up to 5 cm in diameter were frequently mobilized in the swash zone. The uncertainty in predicting aSOA dynamics reflects a broader uncertainty in applying mobility and transport formulations to cm-sized particles.
Citation Information
| Publication Year | 2015 |
|---|---|
| Title | Nearshore dynamics of artificial sand and oil agglomerates |
| DOI | 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.04.049 |
| Authors | P. Soupy Dalyander, Nathaniel G. Plant, Joseph W. Long, Molly R. McLaughlin |
| Publication Type | Article |
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Series Title | Marine Pollution Bulletin |
| Index ID | 70148545 |
| Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
| USGS Organization | St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center |
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Laboratory Observations of Variable Size and Shape Particles: Artificial Sand and Oil Agglomerates
Following marine oil spills, weathered oil can mix with sediment in the surf zone and settle to the seafloor to form mats up to hundreds of meters long. Wave action fragments these mats into 1 to 10 cm diameter sand and oil agglomerates (SOAs). SOAs can persist for years, becoming buried in or exhumed from the seafloor and/or transported cross-shore and alongshore (Dalyander and others, 2015). The - Connect
Patricia (Soupy) Dalyander (Former Employee)
Research OceanographerNathaniel Plant, Ph.D.
Center DirectorEmailPhoneJoseph Long (Former Employee)
Research OceanographerMolly McLaughlin
Quality Management System Manager, Natural Hazards Mission AreaEmailPhone