Probable Movement of a Hypothetical Oil Patch from the Bombay High Region

Abstract

Potential drift trajectories of accidental oil spills from the Bombay High region have been shown. Both theoretical and empirical results have been applied to mean wind and current data to produce a chart of probable oil patch movement in the sea. The chart shows that the threat to the coastline is mainly from May to September, when the oil patches are expected to reach the coast in about 15 days after their release. The chances of accidental oil spills are greater during this period. From October to March, the oil patches will drift offshore. In April, the oil will very slowly approach the coast far south of Bombay.