It is essential to know the behavior of oil when spilled at sea or on land to proceed with the response plans. The knowledge of behavior of oil helps in successful oil spill response. The pressing needs of the hour are minimal response times, efficient control of oil spreading, and temporary storage facilities.

1. Behavior of Oil
Several studies have been conducted by researchers the world over to address the
various aspects of oil behavior during marine oil spills and oil spills on land. There
may be many reasons for oil spills, but to ensure a successful oil spill response, it is
very important to know the behavior of oil in different circumstances.
In marine oil spills the most common type of oil spilled is crude oil. When marine oil
spills occur, the oil disperses rapidly in the same direction as the wind causing long
and narrow slicks. The lighter fractions of the oil evaporate at a faster rate, whereas
the denser particles tend to sink to the seabed, causing widespread harm to the
aquatic life. Due to the wave action some oil even mixes with the water and
emulsifies. The hierarchies on the food chain, from sea plankton to the largest of
whales are greatly affected.
In contrast, on land, the lightest of oils prove to be a larger problem, as these oils
seep through the soil at a much faster rate. This poses a risk to the purity of
groundwater. The heavier and denser oils have higher viscosity and cannot penetrate
through the ground easily. In cases of oil spills on land, spreading does not take
place, so there will not be any evaporation of the lighter fractions or emulsification.
The chance of the oil mixing with gravel, vegetation and other soil is also at hand.
The crucial steps in a response action plan include speedy response times, efficient
control of widespread dispersion both on land and on sea, skimmers and pumps to
take care of the resulting debris, and a temporary storage facility. Oil spill cleanup is
one of the most important steps in any response plan. Oil Gone Easy S-200 is an
eco-friendly oil spill cleaner that biodegrades any kind of oil, on any surface without
causing any environmental harm.