What Happens When the Oil Reaches Shore?
Oil exposure to the shoreline depends on wave energy and tides, substrate type, and slope of the shoreline.
Shoreline type is classified by rank depending on how easy the oil would be to clean up, how long the oil would persist, and how sensitive the shoreline is.
Shorelines can vary dramatically in their forms and compositions:
- Some shorelines are narrow with beaches formed from rounded or flattened cobbles and pebbles
- Some are wide and covered in a layer of sand or broken shell fragments
- Some are steep cliffs with no beach at all
The composition and structure of the beach will determine the potential effects of oil on the shoreline.
Oil may persist longer than expected based on microclimates. Some of the weathered crude may develop a thin "skin" which when disturbed during cleanup, releases fresher oil.
Oil may not weather into a semi-solid tar because of the water emulsification and organic matter and vegetation mixed into the mousse.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
3-2. Oil may persist longer than expected based on _____.
You forgot to answer the question!