NOFO Trials (aerial view)

Researchers reported that despite poor conditions for visually observing dispersed plume development, oil was dispersed. They documented the presence of a dispersed subsurface plume of oil by taking water column measurements.

Also visible during this experiment was a phenomenon known as the "herding" effect. This effect results from the surfactant action of dispersants, which exerts a horizontal spreading force on thin oil films. The herding effect can make a slick appear smaller in area, and may even cause a slick to seem to disappear temporarily from the water surface. In the photo below, the herding action of the dispersant has produced a distinct, V-shaped area of clear water behind the helicopter.

(09.01.94, Unknown)