LAUSR

Performance of a simple backtracking method in searching for a potential spill source for offshore detected oil is investigated through a series of idealized numerical experiments, in which either sea surface source in a 2D case or underwater source in a 3D case is considered. Numerical result shows that, generally, backtracking time is an important input for 2D version of the backtracking method, whereas an accurate ocean dynamic background and an accurate field measurement of oil droplet size are crucial for 3D version. Reducing the uncertainty in oil detection site or accurately measuring the oil droplet size can effectively improve the efficiency of method implementation. External information like satellite images, offshore oil facilities and navigation information is helpful for improving the method efficiency.