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Oil varies considerably in density. Some oil is so thick that it sinks in water. However, it is very uncommon for an oil well to produce very heavy oil.
A light oil will have higher rates of evaporation, which means that some of the oil will be lost due to evaporation when it is on the surface. For evaporation, the density or really the composition of the oil is an important factor. Water temperature, air temperature, hours of sunlight, and wave action are additional factors. Loss by evaporation was considerably higher in the BP oil spill than in the Alaskan oil spill (Exxon-Valdez spill). Note that the Alaskan spill, the oil was low density.
BP used controlled burns to destroy some of the oil. If the oil was heavier and there was more wave action, this might not have been possible.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Wiki User
∙ 15y agosalt water makes oil spills get larger
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How does an oil spill connect with concept of density?
since oil is less dense than water, it floats on top of it. This makes it so much easier to clean. Imagine if oil was denser than water, and all the oil sank to the bottom of the water! Oils spills would be horribly difficult to clean up. That is how oil spills are connected to the concept of density.
Does drilling for oil create oil spills?
It can definitely contribute to oil spills.
How do people adapt to oil spills?
By seeing a lot of oil spills
Does caboolture river have oil spills often?
yes caboolture river has oil spills all the time it is very common for its oil spills
How many oil spills have there been in the world?
About 125 known major oil spills.
What is the disadvantage about oil?
oil spills
Are all oil spills in the ocean?
No, oil spills may happen in rivers and harbours too.
How are oil spills disaters?
oil spills kill or harm wild life and it pollutes the earth
How does oil spills affect duckweed growth?
Oil spills are very bad for Duckweed growth. This is because duckweed need oxygen and oil spills keep oxygen from reaching the plant.
What is a catchy title for a science fair project about oil spills?
Oil Spills: The One Spill To Fuss About
What has the author Brenda L Norcross written?
Brenda L. Norcross has written: 'Injury to larval fish in Prince William Sound' -- subject(s): Fishes, Larvae, Environmental aspects of Oil spills, Effect of oil spills on, Oil spills, Oil spills and wildlife
How can oil spills be damaging?
Oil spills in the ocean can cause animals to be harmed because they become coated with oil and so does their food.
