During the Gulf War, Iraqi forces intentionally released large quantities of oil into the Persian Gulf. What might have been the implications?
Oil formed the top layer of ocean water
Oxygen supply to marine organisms was cut off
During oil spills, oil forms the topmost layer above ocean waters since the relative density of oil is less than 1. Also, oil and water are immiscible. This hampers the oxygen supply of underwater organisms (marine biodiversity) and is a major cause of water pollution.