RPI just completed a new guidance document for NOAA to help oil spill responders and planners better manage sunken oil mats, known as SOMs. SOMs can form near the shoreline under a range of circumstances and present unique and difficult challenges in oil spill response. It covers their formation, behavior, detection, and recovery. The image shows the “sweet spot” in terms of sediment grain size and wave energy for the formation of SOMs. The report is available in the link below:

https://response.restoration.noaa.gov/new-response-guide-difficult-challenge-oil-spill-response