Question

Is density helpful or harmful when cleaning up oil spills in the ocean?

1) Helpful
2) Harmful
3) Cannot be determined

Answer 1

Density is helpful in oil spill cleanups as it causes oil to float on the water's surface, enabling methods such as skimming and bioremediation to remove the oil. However, the oil spill itself can harm marine life by reducing light and oxygen in the water and affecting biodiversity.

1. Helpful is correct option.

Step-by-step explanation:

When discussing the impact of oil spills in the ocean, the concept of density plays a helpful role in cleanup efforts. Density is a property that explains why oil, being less dense than water, floats on the surface. This characteristic of oil allows for certain cleanup methods, such as using skimmer ships and floating booms, to corral and remove the oil from the water's surface.

While the floating oil can reduce the amount of light and oxygen entering the ocean, potentially harming marine life and affecting biodiversity, strategies like bioremediation and controlled burning can be used to address the spill. Bioremediation utilizes microorganisms that specialize in decomposing oil and can be particularly effective. However, it is important to note that not all cleaning methods are harmless, as some chemicals used in dispersants may be toxic to the ecosystem.