ly affect the manner in which oil will spread through an aquatic environment and ultimately break down, the hazard it can pose to aquatic and human life, and the possibility that it can pose a threat to natural and even man-made resources (EPA1).
The rate at which an oil spill spreads is a function of the kind of oil it is and the environment it has been spilled into. The majority of oils spread horizontally into a smooth and slippery surface, referred to as a slick that rides on top of the water. The following factors affect an oil slickÆs ability to spread:
Surface tension, which measures the attraction between the surface molecules of a liquid. The higher the oilÆs surface tension, the more likely a spill will remain in place. If the surface tension of oil is low, it can spread even without the help of the wind or the water currents. Increased temperatures can reduce a liquidÆs
Surface tension, which means that oil is more likely to spread in warm water than in colder water.
Specific gravity, which is the density of a substance compared to the density of water. Most oils are lighter than water and thus float on the surface. However, the lighter substances within the oil can sometimes evaporate, increasing the specific gravity of the slick and ultimately causing it to sink. Heavier oils, vegetable oils, and animal fats often sink with prolonged exposure and form tar-balls or reach the bottom of the water body.
Viscosity, which measures a liquidÆs resistance to flowing.
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