What is the term for a large area of oil floating on the surface of the sea or a river?

What is the term for a large area of oil floating on the surface of the sea or a river?

• A. Oil slick
• B. Oil spill
• C. Oil sheen
• D. Oil residue

Answer: (A)

An oil slick is the term for a large patch of oil that sits on the surface of the water. Oil is less dense than water, so it floats and spreads out into a broad, continuous film, creating a visible slick across the surface. This distinguishes it from an oil spill, which is the event of releasing oil; a sheen, which is a very thin, often shiny film that can form from small amounts of oil; and residue, which refers to material left behind after cleanup or deposition. So for a large surface area of oil on the water, the correct term is oil slick.

An oil slick is the term for a large patch of oil that sits on the surface of the water. Oil is less dense than water, so it floats and spreads out into a broad, continuous film, creating a visible slick across the surface. This distinguishes it from an oil spill, which is the event of releasing oil; a sheen, which is a very thin, often shiny film that can form from small amounts of oil; and residue, which refers to material left behind after cleanup or deposition. So for a large surface area of oil on the water, the correct term is oil slick.