Tarball Classification and Similarity Index

Summary

Tarballs are formed from weathering of petroleum following introduction into the marine environment. The objective of the project is to continue development and maintenance of a tarball classification and similarity index data base.  This system will allow The General Land Office to compare tarballs collected and submitted for analysis to the United States Coast Guard to determine if they contain petroleum, are whether they came from the same or similar source and in some instances if they were from a spill or natural seepage. This data base would allow newly discovered tarballs to be compared to all other tarballs in the database to see how similar they are and if they have a similar source.