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Natural seeps are just that - natural. They have been occurring for millennia and the ocean has evolved ways to deal with them. From microscopic bacteria that feed on the petroleum to the simple size of the ocean. The seeps have time to disperse and not contaminate a single large space suddenly.
With spills the area is supersaturated with millions of gallons of oil within hours. The dispersal effect of the waves is generally overwhelmed and even the microbes that thrive on petroleum are hard pressed to do anything of any use.
Man-made efforts to clean the mess sometimes make things worse. Past studies have shown that chemical dispersants can be very toxic. The technology is improving, but its not fool-proof yet.
No one knows what the long term effects of the recent Gulf of Mexico spill might be, but its clear that since the man-made spills are generally localized, the threat may be greater.
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∙ 12y ago
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What is the difference between a soluble and insoluble?
Soluble describes something that can be dissolved in water. Insoluble describes something that can not be dissolved in water. Salt is soluble, it will dissolve in water. Oil is insoluble, oil will float on the surface of water.
What is the main difference between crude oil and petroleum oil?
One is refined and the other has nuclear waste
What is the difference in colour between kerosene and home heating oil?
PINK
Why the oil stays on the surface if you mixed in water?
Oil is not as dense as water. So, even when they are mixed, the water molecules can still slide down in between the oil molecules, thereby causing the oil molecules to form a layer on the surface of the water.
What is the difference between oil and vinegar?
Well you can use oil to make a cake and you cant use vinegar to make one!
What is the difference between a gallon and barrel of oil?
The difference between barrel and gallen is that a barrel can load 220 litre oil and a gallon can load millions of oil.
What is the difference between blanching in water and blanching in oil?
One is in water and one is in oil You don't blanch in oil, that would be deep frying.
What was the cost for a barrel of oil in 1989?
I was between 17.35 to 19.69 Dollars per Barrel
What is the relationship between barrel and gallons?
42 gallons make a barrel in the oil industry.
What is the difference among cream paste and gel?
The difference between cream and gel is both creams and gels are water-based, but creams contain a mixture of thickener, water and oil. Gels are made from thickener and water, and rarely have any oil.
What is the difference between a soluble and insoluble?
Soluble describes something that can be dissolved in water. Insoluble describes something that can not be dissolved in water. Salt is soluble, it will dissolve in water. Oil is insoluble, oil will float on the surface of water.
Is there a difference between engine oil and motor oil?
no
What really is the difference between oil and water based cosmetics?
Oil based cosmetics can block pores and create acne and pimples. Water based cosmetics are better for sensitive skin.
Did the price of a barrel of oil quadruple between 1971 and 1980?
It was actually much more than that. In 1971, the price of a barrel of oil was $3.60. By 1980, the price had skyrocketed to $37.24 per barrel; an increase of 934%
How much oil is in a barrel of oil?
1 barrel of oil = 158.987295 liters 1 barrel of oil = 42 US gallons
What is the difference between Oil-filled vs water-filled space heaters?
I am assuming you mean an enclosed heater. Oil stay hot longer & does not rust.
What is the difference between plasticine and Play-Doh.?
The main difference is that plastiscine is derived from clay and is oil based. Play doh is water based, and is totally edible.
