What is the difference between crude oil and refined oil? What effect do these differences have when
spilled into the environment? What will be an ideal response?
ANS:Answer
should include:
? Crude oil spills tend to be larger in volume and frequency than the refined oil spills. The
crude oil spills are not as harmful though.
? Many crude oil components are unable to dissolve quickly in eater. The components that
are able to dissolve quickly are harmful to juvenile organisms. The insoluble
components create a sticky, thick layer on the surface. This prevents the free diffusion of
gasses, reduces the amount of sunlight available, and can clog feeding structures in
organisms. Overall, crude oil is not considered to be highly toxic, and it is
biodegradable.
? Refined oil spills are much more dangerous. The heavier components are removed from
the oil or broken down during the refining process. Also, deadly components are added
to the oil through this process. The heavy tar remains volatile after the components
evaporate. This tar gets dropped to the seafloor, incorporated into sediments, or even
ingested by organisms in the benthic communities.
You might also like to view...
Which of the following are characteristics typical of volcanic domes?
A. often occur in clusters B. rubble-covered surface C. steep-sided D. All of these choices are correct.
Among the world's primary food security concerns is that the world's growing urban areas continue to be entirely dependent on the world's shrinking rural areas for food
Indicate whether this statement is true or false
Which of the following processes occurs during baroclinic instability?
A. reduction of wave cyclones B. no air motion C. weak wind speed shear from the surface up to at least the 500 hPa level D. temperature advection
Which of the following circulation patterns is characteristic of a cyclone in the Northern Hemisphere?
A) Moist air flowing toward Tibetan low B) Dry air flowing from Siberian high C) Moist air flowing toward Siberian high D) Dry air flowing from the Tibetan low