Determination of the Leeway of Oil Slicks.
Abstract
The leeway of oil slicks was determined as a function of wind velocity in the range 5-25 knots to enable more precise forecasting of the trajectory of oil spills, and thus aid effective containment and cleanup operations. Leeway was calculated by measurement of the separation of oil slicks from a dyed patch of surface water at sea, using time-sequenced nadir aerial photography. Five oil types, Nos. 2, 4, and 6 fuel oils, and light and heavy crude oils, were found to exhibit similar leeway as a function of wind speed. Oil spill volume had not measureable effect on leeway, and slicks moved in the direction of the wind. The leeway increases with sea state, and obeys a linear relationship with wind velocity in the wind range studies.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1974
- Accession Number
- ADA006822
Entities
People
- Craig L. Smith
Organizations
- Virginia Institute of Marine Science