Weathering of Petroleum in Marine Environment
What are the chemical and biological processes responsible for the weathering of petroleum at the sea surface? Here we see fresh slicks (top) and more weathered slicks (bottom). This petroleum was released from the sea floor through natural seepage (not an oil spill) and floated to the surface. Natural weathering processes will gradually convert this slick to tar. George Wardlaw and I are attempting to better understand how this occurs in collaboration with Chris Reddy at WHOI.
Jackpot Seep at the seafloor (50 ft) and at the surface.
Video Images from Jackpot Seep!