SEDL / STP / STP659-EB / STP35716S

Physical and Chemical Behavior of Small Crude Oil Slicks on the Ocean

Johnson, JC
Project manager, JBF Scientific Corporation, Wilmington, Mass.

McAuliffe, CD
Senior research associate, Chevron Oil Field Research Company, La Habra, Calif.

Brown, RA
Scientific advisor, Exxon Research and Engineering Company, Florham Park, N. J.

Pages: 18    Published: Jan 1978

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Abstract

This paper describes the results of a series of research oil spills in the North Atlantic to determine the physical and chemical behavior of fresh oil slicks. Four spills of approximately 1.67 m³ (440 gal) each were made from a vessel and then tracked by vessel and aircraft for up to two days. The spills were not dispersed. The physical and chemical behavior of the spills was determined using slick and water samples, as well as aerial photography. Conclusions are drawn about the physical behavior of the spills without dispersing, as well as the chemical behavior of the slick and the water column. Future tests are described that will make similar determinations on small research spills to which dispersants will be applied.