1.2 Methodology, Model and Software
3
1.2 Methodology, Model and Software
The ERA Acute methodology provides updated impact and restoration functions
based on available international research, both peer-reviewed papers and scientific reports. It is designed to have robust and continuous damage functions in
four compartments, i.e. a harmonized framework of calculations, whilst maintaining
scientific integrity of each compartment. ERA Acute does not include an oil spill
trajectory model but utilizes input from any oil spill model that can provide results
from a multitude of single simulations exported to a standardized grid format. VECs
are natural resources, e.g. seabirds, shoreline habitats etc. for which impacts are
calculated. The VEC input data are gridded to the same standardized format and
each VEC is ascribed to the compartment where the main impact occurs.
The methodology of ERA Acute is an analytical concept which depends on input
data from preceding models, which need to provide data of adequate quality. The ERA
Acute model itself contains mathematical functions in a sequence that make up the
impact and restoration calculations, and the methodology also has defined concepts
related to the recommended presentation of the analytical endpoints of these calculations. A software tool has been developed to run the model calculations, with an
interface to assist users in setting up the correct inputs, run the calculations and view
the results. However, the software is not the focus of this book and the methodology can be used independently. The methodology, including the descriptions of
use of input data are described in an industry guideline (NOROG 2020), whereas
the biomathematical model functions and sequence of calculations are described
as an overview in this book and in the underlying development reports (see list of
references). As far as possible in this short book, we have included the equations.
Figure 1.1 shows an overview of the ERA Acute methodology and the division into: Inputs (top two boxes), model calculation units (middle box) and result
presentation concepts (bottom box). The required input data on VECs and oil drift
simulations are not included in the model nor included in the software tool (lilac
background), offering a flexibility in choice of oil spill model and VEC data to be
used in the risk assessment. Each of the impact and restoration calculations contain
parameter values that are provided by the user as input files (see Sect. 1.4.3). For
the parameter values, default values are available suitable for global use. These may
be changed if specific knowledge exists about local resources (VECs) etc., thereby
reducing uncertainty. The functions (middle light orange box) calculate impacts and
restoration-related results and summarize and create statistical results. The functions and their sequences have been implemented in the software tool calculator.
The software tool also includes interfaces for setup, calculation and presentation of
recommended results (lower light orange box).
3
1.2 Methodology, Model and Software
The ERA Acute methodology provides updated impact and restoration functions
based on available international research, both peer-reviewed papers and scientific reports. It is designed to have robust and continuous damage functions in
four compartments, i.e. a harmonized framework of calculations, whilst maintaining
scientific integrity of each compartment. ERA Acute does not include an oil spill
trajectory model but utilizes input from any oil spill model that can provide results
from a multitude of single simulations exported to a standardized grid format. VECs
are natural resources, e.g. seabirds, shoreline habitats etc. for which impacts are
calculated. The VEC input data are gridded to the same standardized format and
each VEC is ascribed to the compartment where the main impact occurs.
The methodology of ERA Acute is an analytical concept which depends on input
data from preceding models, which need to provide data of adequate quality. The ERA
Acute model itself contains mathematical functions in a sequence that make up the
impact and restoration calculations, and the methodology also has defined concepts
related to the recommended presentation of the analytical endpoints of these calculations. A software tool has been developed to run the model calculations, with an
interface to assist users in setting up the correct inputs, run the calculations and view
the results. However, the software is not the focus of this book and the methodology can be used independently. The methodology, including the descriptions of
use of input data are described in an industry guideline (NOROG 2020), whereas
the biomathematical model functions and sequence of calculations are described
as an overview in this book and in the underlying development reports (see list of
references). As far as possible in this short book, we have included the equations.
Figure 1.1 shows an overview of the ERA Acute methodology and the division into: Inputs (top two boxes), model calculation units (middle box) and result
presentation concepts (bottom box). The required input data on VECs and oil drift
simulations are not included in the model nor included in the software tool (lilac
background), offering a flexibility in choice of oil spill model and VEC data to be
used in the risk assessment. Each of the impact and restoration calculations contain
parameter values that are provided by the user as input files (see Sect. 1.4.3). For
the parameter values, default values are available suitable for global use. These may
be changed if specific knowledge exists about local resources (VECs) etc., thereby
reducing uncertainty. The functions (middle light orange box) calculate impacts and
restoration-related results and summarize and create statistical results. The functions and their sequences have been implemented in the software tool calculator.
The software tool also includes interfaces for setup, calculation and presentation of
recommended results (lower light orange box).