9. the Fate and Effects of Oil in the Marine Environment

The spreading and movement of oil slicks is strongly influenced by surface water movement. On the Gest coast, surface water movement is affected by weather systems and storms from the north Pacific, which have a high incidence of gale force winds and high seastates. It is also affected by large tidal ranges. strong tidal currents and irregular coastlines. Air and water temperatures, water salinity and sediment loads also determine the physical and chemical behaviour of oil. For example, crude oil becomes more viscous and evaporates more slowly in colder water. This will affect its spreading and toxicity as well as the penetration of oil into shoreline sediments.