Foaming Properties 



The ability of sea water to produce 

 and maintain bubbles can be measured 

 through a study of foaming properties. 

 The tower's site enables foam to be col- 

 lected for immediate analysis. 



Foam is concentrated by the 

 convergence circulation created by in- 

 ternal waves - the foam persists longer 

 in slicks because the accumulated organic 

 film reduces the surface tension. 



Samples of water collected ad- 

 jacent to and beneath sea surface slicks 

 are studied. The samples are shaken to 

 produce foam and then photographed at 

 short intervals. The photographs estab- 

 lish the size of bubbles in the foam; the 

 maximum foam height, H ; and the 

 half-life, or time required for the foam 

 layer to decrease to half its height, T. 

 The product H Q T is called the foaming 

 factor, (F), which is useful in character- 

 izing water types. 



Foam occurs naturally in the sea as a result of 

 strong winds, ship wakes, or breaking waves (white 

 caps). It may persist from 4 to 20 seconds, depending 

 on the foaming factor of the water. 



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