Researchers from the Southampton Oceanography Centre in the US have recently developed a measuring device which could enhance the efficiency of clean up operations following an oil spill.

Traditionally, oil spills have been detected by radar. But once oil and water emulsify, the radar cannot be used to track the rest of the water column. The new device uses light waves that can penetrate deeper into water and determine the effectiveness of dispersal spraying. It also provides information that may be necessary to devise the best way of tackling oil spills.