2.2. Wind velocity and direction
These are the most important factors controlling slick movement over open water. In oceans, wind spreads oil more than
currents or waves, with a velocity between 3 and 10% of that of the
wind. Hence, within minutes of a spill, oil spreads to cover
hundreds of square yards and within an hour, it covers hundreds of
square miles (Bernard and Jakobson, 1972). This makes early
confinement necessary to limit the spread of an oil spill; reduce the
area of contamination; prevent oil from entering drains, sewers, or
water courses; and of course, make cleanup operations easier
(Agius et al., 1975; Lehr, 1974). Hence, local wind data are useful in
predicting slick movement and in planning spill control actions
(Ladd and Smith, 1970).