Field study of film spreading on a sea surface

The results of a field study of surface film spreading on the sea surface are presented. The experiments were carried out in the coastal zone of the Black Sea in a wide range of wind speeds and wave conditions. Vegetable oil was used for preparing the surfactants. It was found that at moderate and strong wind speeds the slicks take on a shape similar to an ellipse and are orientated in the direction of the air flow. An increase in the speed of the spreading slick along its major axis with strong wind was discovered.