Natural Slicks on the Ocean,
Abstract
Slicks are smooth glassy streaks or patches on the ocean. Prominent slicks are confined largely to near-shore areas where organic production is high. Experiments and observations are described which show that slicks are contaminate films of organic oil probably derived primarily from diatoms which contain droplets of oil in their cells to assist in flotation and/or as an emergency food supply. Slicks are discernible because of their damping effect on small wavelets. The parallel slicks that develop in light to moderate winds result because the contaminate films pile up at the top of convergenees in the homogeneous wind-stirred layer above the thermocline.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1950
- Accession Number
- ADA314074
Entities
People
- Eugene C. Lafond
- Robert S. Dietz
Organizations
- Navy Electronics Laboratory