In the thesis, we discuss the processes of stranding and release of oil on the coast and off the coast in
the case of an oil spill. We presented different ways of determining the maximum oil–holding capacity
of the beach, and established that the retention mainly depends on the types of coastline and type of
oil. Based on the classification of the coastline types in Slovenia, we chose a section of sandy and
gravelly coastline as an example. For these types of coastlines, we calculated maximum oil–holding
capacities of the coast. In calculations, we used a simple empirical equation that offers favourable ratio
among the number of necessary and available data, and good reliability of the results estimated in
literature. Calculations were performed in Microsoft Excel, using a newly created table that enables
fast and simple calculations. The chosen approach enables relatively simple installation into
numerical models of oil spills, and could contribute to higher reliability of such models. For the
chosen sections of sandy and gravelly coastlines, we also carried out calculations of oil release off the
coast, in which we presumed that the maximum capacity of the coast is filled up. We established that
the process of oil release off a sandy coast is completed in a few days, while on a gravelly coast it lasts
longer for three to four orders of magnitude. The knowledge on the quantity of oil released to the sea
and the time of release for different types of oil and coastlines is important. It can enable the
corresponding services to intervene reasonably and to protect the coastline sections that could be
reached by the released oil.
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