On slick observation

On the sea surface it is often possible to observe spots and the bars with reduced intensity short surface waves, caused by the presence of a SAS film on the surface (an oil slick). The possibility of film slick observation does not only depend on the SAS properties. In this paper the influence of illumination and observation conditions, waves and SAS properties on possibility of observing slicks on the sea surface are investigated. It is assumed that the surface section of interest was illuminated by direct sunlight or diffuse light of a cloudless sky. Surface statistical characteristics variations resulting in apparent changing of surface brightness or inhomogeneity scales were estimated. These estimations were compared with the known data on the influence of SAS on the surface. It permitted the author to find out the optimal condition for film slicks observation from shipborne and airborne observations.<>