- Author
-
Murray, S. P.
|
Smith, W. G.
|
Sonu, C. J.
- Title
- Oceanographic Observations and Theoretical Analysis of Oil Slicks During the Chevron Spill, March 1970. Final Report. March 1970-July 1970.
- Coporate
- Louisiana State Univ., Baton Rouge
- Sponsor
- Coast Guard, Washington, DC
- Report
-
USCG-714104/A/006-2
July 1970
110 p.
- Distribution
- Available from National Technical Information Service
- Contract
- DOT-CG-03-592-A
- Keywords
-
oil spills
|
wind velocity
|
velocity distribution
- Identifiers
- oil slick; oil slick growth and movement
- Abstract
- Oceanographic observations near the Chevron spilling well off the Mississippi Delta in March 1970 revealed relative roles of various physical factors of the regional estarine system in the behavior of oil slickd. Surface stress from the wind was most important, at speeds above 15 mph the slick orientation was generally determined by the wind direction. The wind also indirectly affected oil which was sunk by dispersant in the wind waves promoted mixing, which in turn affected the vertical stability, hence eventually the velocity profile. Wind setups and setdowns were correlated with downward and upward isopycnal movements, respectively. Both calculations and observations showed that tidal currents produced an L-shaped slick geometry when winds were below about 15 mph.