Surface Oil Distribution

Surface Oil Distribution - Percent Cover

Compare these example photographs of different percentages of oil coverage.

These photos make up part of OR&R's Shoreline Assessment Job Aid. You can view the job aid as a PDF file or order it as a laminated flip-booklet by completing our Job Aid Order Form.

Photographs in this collection were contributed by Miles O. Hayes and Jacqueline Michel of Research Planning, Inc.

C - Continuous cover

91-100% cover, seen here as black oil on light sand beach.

photo: Miles O. Hayes and Jacqueline Michel of Research Planning, Inc.

B - Broken cover

51-90% cover, seen here as brown oil on tan sand beach.

photo: Miles O. Hayes and Jacqueline Michel of Research Planning, Inc.

P - Patchy cover

11-50% cover, seen here as black oil bands on a white sand beachface.

photo: Miles O. Hayes and Jacqueline Michel of Research Planning, Inc.

S - Sporadic cover

1-10% cover, seen here as brown oil bands on a white sand beachface.

photo: Miles O. Hayes and Jacqueline Michel of Research Planning, Inc.

1 of 4