THEORETICAL STUDY TO DETERMINE THE SEA STATE LIMIT FOR THE SURVIVAL OF OIL SLICKS ON THE OCEAN

Limiting sea state condition for the globular dispersion of oil slicks on the ocean have been obtained from simple considerations. Models have been derived for determining the conditions under which breaking waves will disperse an oil slick. Two types of dispersions are considered, viz., surface dispersion and globular dispersion within the water column, with emphasis on the latter type of dispersion. The results indicate that a 3 m significant wave height sea state will tend to initiate globular dispersion and that breaking waves of large crest lengths are essential for a surface dispersion to take place. The depth of penetration of globules of oil formed under breaking waves is calculated to be relatively shallow. The large number of assumptions made and their effects on the results are discussed. Several of the unknown physical parameters of importance are identified and recommendations have been made for experimental determination of some of these parameters. (Author)

• Corporate Authors:

  Little (Arthur D), Incorporated

  Acorn Park
  Cambridge, MA  United States  02140
• Authors:
  • Raj, PPK
• Publication Date: 1977-6

Media Info

• Pagination: 275 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Dispersers; Guides to the literature; Height; Literature reviews; Mathematical models; Ocean currents; Ocean waves; Oil spill cleanup; Oil spills; Surfaces; Tension; Turbulence; Velocity; Water waves; Wave height; Wind
• Uncontrolled Terms: Breaking waves; Wind direction
• Old TRIS Terms: Dispersions; Globulins; Oil dispersal; Oil spill dispersants; Sea states; Wind velocity
• Subject Areas: Environment; Hydraulics and Hydrology; Marine Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00174719
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: USCG-D-90-77 Final Rpt., ADL-79299-F
• Contract Numbers: DOT-CG-61505-A
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 12 1978 12:00AM