"A mathematical model of the behaviour of an oil spill on water has been assembled and solved on a digital computer to yield data on the oil slick size, thickness, properties and composition; on the amounts of oil evaporated, dissolved and dispersed; and on the concentration history of the hydrocarbon dissolved in the water column. To undertake the calculation, a simulated oil composition is used which enables various oil volatilities and aqueous solubilities to be reproduced."--Abstract, page i.