Document Author: Merv Fingas

Review of the 2024 Alaska North Slope Oil Properties Relevant to Environmental Assessment and Prediction

This report by Dr. Merv Fingas summarizes his analysis of the physical and chemical properties of a sample of 2024 Alaska North Slope (ANS) crude oil. This analysis is sponsored by the Council every five years or so to track changes in the oil’s properties, and how those changes might impact oil spill response measures including mechanical recovery, in-situ burning, and use of dispersants.

Dr. Fingas noted that the sample’s composition is more similar to the previous sample, analyzed in 2019, than samples taken in 2015 and earlier. ANS crude oil is trending lighter since around 2010, and is now considered a “medium” weight oil. Compared to previous samples, this oil is less prone to emulsify, less dispersible as the oil weathers, and less adhesive to shorelines.

Review Of The 2019 Alaska North Slope Oil Properties Relevant To Environmental Assessment And Prediction

Environment and Climate Change Canada performed the physical and chemical tests on the sample and Dr. Fingas interpreted the lab results. He was looking for properties that would influence the effectiveness of oil spill response measures including mechanical (e.g., booms, skimmers) and non-mechanical (e.g., dispersants) spill response measures. Properties such as density and viscosity of North Slope crude oil can vary, depending on the location from where the oil is extracted.

Review of Literature on Oil Spill Dispersants: 2021-2023

Emphasis is placed on aspects that relate to Alaska and Prince William Sound. The report identifies and focusses on recent advances in all topics of dispersion and focusses on dispersant effectiveness, toxicity, and biodegradation.

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