ABSTRACT
Numerous reports have appeared on the occurrence of tar balls in surface water samples. Butler in 1973 provided a detailed summary of information on the distribution and chemical composition of tar lumps found on the surface of the ocean prior to of 1973. The chapter shows that several distinct sources for the types of tar samples were indicated. With semi-fluid tar masses folding over on themselves and aggregation of small flakes during tar ball formation, these materials may be entrained in the interior where ultimate loss would be inhibited by decreased diffusivities in the viscous residues. The quantitative distribution of beached or stranded tar at selected locations over time has been proposed as a means to monitor the levels of oceanic tar. Because of the accessibility of stranded tar balls on beach surfaces, their fate and weathering have been better characterized compared to tar balls dispersed in the water column.
