Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
References
Ocean circulation can transport oil for thousands of miles
in months to years. Knowing the trajectory of the spill gives
decision-makers critical guidance in deciding how best to
protect resources and direct clean-up. However, it is often
very difficult to predict accurately the movement and
behaviour of an oil spill when data and circulations patterns
are sparse or unavailable.
Many oil spills have occurred several times along the
Nigerian coast, either through accident or through sabotage.
In many cases, forecasting the movement of an oil spill in
the Niger Delta is often hampered by insufficient data,
particularly in the first few hours of the release. Detailed
spill data (location, volume lost, and product type) are often
sketchy and environmental data (wind and current obser-
vations and forecasts) are often sparse or unavailable. This
in many cases has led to loss of time, and inefficient oil spill
response efforts. Understanding the nature and patterns of
currents and resulting circulation system both in the estu-
aries and in the open ocean can ensure prompt and effective
oil spill management in the Niger Delta.
Allen JRL (1965) Late quaternary Niger Delta and adjacent areas:
sedimentary
environments
and
lithofacies.
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Awosika LF, Folorunsho R (2005) Fortnightly oscillating surface
current patterns observed from Davies drifter offshore the Western
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and meteorology for the 21st century. Joint commission for
oceanography and meteorology scientific conference, Halifax, NS,
Canada
Awosika LF, Ibe AC (1994) Geomorphic features of the Gulf of
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the Gulf of Guinea and implications for sediment transport
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1994. Pub. Centre for Environment and Development in Africa,
pp 99-103
Awosika LF, Dublin-Green CO, Oyewo EO (1996) Nearshore littoral
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of Petroleum industry wastes and oil spills. In: Proceedings of 8th
Biennial international seminar on the petroleum industry and the
Nigerian Environment, Port Harcourt, Nigeria, 17-21 Nov 1996
Awosika LF, Folorunsho R, Dublin-Green CO, Imevbore VO (2000)
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Boisvert WE (1967) Major currents in the North and South Atlantic
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Burke
Conclusion
The Niger Delta and its estuaries have a very complex del-
taic environment. It is criss-crossed by several estuaries,
creek, and rivers. Circulation patterns in the delta and off-
shore are hence very complicated. The complicated estua-
rine circulation and the oscillating surface currents offshore,
such as those that have been observed in the Niger Delta,
could present great challenges to oil spill response and
contingency plans. Hence, understanding the estuarine
dynamics and the offshore oscillating currents could greatly
enhance oil spill response activities in the Niger Delta.
Future studies to determine the residence time and exposure
time of water in each estuary particularly from human
induced stresses, can enhance the understanding of other
parameters
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water
current
measurement survey; data reports 3 and 4
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Guinea. Bull Mar Sci 20:1-34
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Guinea. Bull Inst Fr d'Afrique noire 24:633-663
NEDECO (1961) The waters of the Niger Delta. NEDECO (Netherlands
Engineering Consultants), The Hague
Richardson PL, Reverdin G (1987) Seasonal cycle of velocity in the
Atlantic North Equatorial Countercurrent as measured by surface
drifters, current meters, and ship drifts. J Geophys Res 92:3691-3708
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potentials. Graham and Trotham, London, vol 2, pp 306-361
such
as
heavy
metals,
dissolved
nutrients,
blooms that may affect the health of estuaries.
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