THE CURRENTS OF CASCO BAY AND THE PREDICTION OF OIL SPILL TRAJECTORIES - Technical Report No. 28

Oct 13, 2026

Upload by Ezra

Oceano-graphic survey results for Casco Bay provide marine system data to support prediction of oil spill movement. The report compiles tidal and non-tidal currents, including water-column structure and bottom topography, explaining how these factors interrelate to influence deposition of introduced materials. Additional analysis addresses wind-driven circulation and its impact on surface oil transport, forming the basis for current and oil trajectory estimation.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryGeneral

FormatPDF

Pages79

Reading Time28 min

AccessFree to download

Preface

Acknowledgements

Introduction and Background

Instrumentation and Methods

Study Area Description

Bottom Topography

The Tides

The Physical Environment

The Currents of Casco Bay

Prediction of Current Trajectories

Estimation of Oil Trajectories

Summary and Recommendations

References

○ L月B # THE CURRENTS OF CASCO BAYAND THE PREDICTION OF OIL SPILL TRAJECTORIES — 20 # BIGELOW LABORATORY FOR OCEAN SCIENCES # THE CURRENTS OF CASCO BAYAND THE PREDICTION OF OIL SPILL TRAJECTORIES by Charles E.Parker Prepared for: State of MaineState Planning OfficeAugusta,Maine 04333 Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences West Boothbay Harbor,Maine 04575 Technical Report No.28 PREFACE This is one of two reports describing the results of an oceano-graphic survey dealing with the currents and biology and chemistry ofCasco Bay. The aim of this report is to provide pertinent data on themarine system for the prediction of oil spill movements and containsinformation on the tidal and non-tidal currents,water column structureand bottom topography of the area showing how they interrelate to affectthe deposition of such materials introduced into the system. Additionaldiscussions on the analysis of wind driven circulation and its effect onthe movements of surface oil are included. ## ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to acknowledge the fine work of Mr.Newell Garfield,Dr.Ernest True,Mr.Steven Butler and Mr.Frank Setchell during thefield measurement portion of the project and Captain Paul DeRocher andhis first mate Ear1 Dunton,Jr,of the R/V Explorer for their coopera-tion during the time when we were using both the Capricorn and theExplorer for our studies in the Bay. I would also like to thank Ms.Patricia Oathout for her patience and help in typing this paper and Mr.James Rollins for some of the figures and art work. This study wasfunded by the State Planning Office through The Department of MarineResources Contract \#4-80. I would like to thank both organizations fortheir generous support and help during the past two years, TABLE OF CONTENTS page Preface………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………i Acknowledgements ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………ii Introduction and Background ………………………………………………………………………………………………………1 Instrumentation and Methods………………………………………………………………………………………………………3 Study Area Description …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………7 Bottom Topography…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………11 The Tides …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………12 The Physical Environment ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………13 The Currents of Casco Bay………………………………………………………………………………………………………17 Surface Currents…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………18 Currents at Mid-depth ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………20 Bottom Currents ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………21 Circulation Summary……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………23 The Effects of Winds on the Currents …………………………………………………………………………24 Prediction of Current Trajectories ………………………………………………………………………………26 Estimation of Oil Trajectories …………………………………………………………………………………………29 Summary and Recommendations………………………………………………………………………………………………………32 References ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………34 List of Figures …………………………………………………………………………………………………………35 ## INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND The Coastal Energy Impact Program(CEIP)was established in 1976 asa resu1t of an amendment to the Coastal Zone Management Act.Thisamendment provided support to local and state governments to plan for analleviate the adverse effects of energy facility development andattendant activities in the coastal area.This type of development mayhave considerable environmental impact on the marine system effectingsuch factors as water quality,fishing,the growth of marine plants,smaller organisms which are important members of the food web,and onrecreation.In order to formulate intelligent and rational plans forenergy development and suitable strategies for consequent activities,the State recognized the need for detailed information about the marineenvironment where many of these activities will take place.With theexception of a few scatter

FAQs

What is the primary purpose of the report?

To provide pertinent marine system data for predicting oil spill movements in Casco Bay, including current patterns and related physical factors.

Which current components are analyzed for trajectory prediction?

The report includes both tidal and non-tidal currents, along with how water-column structure and bottom topography interrelate to affect material deposition.

How does wind influence oil movement in the study?

The report includes additional discussion of wind-driven circulation and its effect on the movements of surface oil.

Oct 13, 2026

Upload by Ezra