In a solid state, petroleum is called asphalt, in the liquid state it is called oil, and in the gaseous state it is termed natural gas. Due to the large amounts of oil transported on supertankers, an oil spill can be disastrous to the sea life. After oil is spilled, a number of events can occur. First, oil can spread across the surface waters. A sheen of oil can be visibly detected upon the waters.
Evaporation is another event that occurs after a spill.
In the Exxon Valdez spill, approximately 35 percent of the oil evaporated into the air. Another process that occurs after an oil spill is solubilization. During this event, the oil dissolves into the water column and can cause contamination of the water, especially near the site. The remaining oil is residual material that affects the shorelines. In the nineteenth century, the demand for crude was great due to the kerosene lamp.