Investigation of background concentration of dissolved oil hydrocarbons in the Baltic Sea resulted from illegal discharges of oil containing waste from ships based on numerical simulation and remote sensing data

The results of model calculations of spatial distribution of background concentrations of dissolved oil hydrocarbons (OH) entering the Baltic Sea from illegal discharges of oily waste from vessels of different types (including tankers) are presented. The model takes into account advection, destruction, evaporation and deposition of OH. Remote sensing data (satellite altimetry and radiometry) is used as initial information on sea current velocities and surface temperature. The amount of OH pollution is assessed by expert analysis of spatial distribution of oil spills recorded in the Baltic Sea as a result of aerial surveillance and satellite monitoring.