Artificial Sea Slicks: Their Practical Applications and Role in Fundamental Research.
Abstract
Artificial sea slicks are man-made, monomolecular, organic films adsorbed at the air-sea interface. They are formed from spontaneously spreading, water-insoluble polar liquids. Techniques for generating artificial sea slicks from surface vessels and from the air have been devised. Research into the chemical modification of air-sea interactions has led to several practical applications for artificial sea slicks. The ability of organic surface films to damp capillary waves renders the area covered by the film highly visible and sensible under most environmental conditions. The attenutation of both capillary and high-frequency gravity waves by artificial sea slicks has been examined under open-ocean conditions. The wave-damping property has been used as a basis for the development of seamarkers that generate highly visible, persistent ripple-damped zones on the sea surface. Large artificial slicks have been used as a tool to elucidate the mechanisms of wind-wave interactions and air-sea exchange processes. The most widely used application of film-forming organic chemicals is for the control and containment of oil spills, and increasing the efficiency of oil retrieval operations. (Modified author abstract)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 04, 1974
- Accession Number
- AD0780784
Entities
People
- William D. Garrett
- William R. Barger
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory