OIL SPREADING UNDER ICE COVERS

ABSTRACT A new set of equations is presented for describing oil spreading under ice in calm waters. These equations consider the constant discharge mode, constant volume mode, and termination of spreading due to a balance of forces. Therefore, a complete description of the spreading phenomena from the time of initial spill to termination of spreading is presented. The equations are derived based on a simplified form of Navier-Stokes equations. Laboratory experiments were conducted using ice covers of different roughnesses, oils of different viscosities, and varying discharge rates. The theory agrees closely with the experimental data.