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T/V Exxon Valdez

The amount of oil visible on the surface of a beach doesn't necessarily indicate the 
amount of oil on that beach, since oil can penetrate into beach sediments. During the 
initial response to the spill, NOAA scientists surveyed oiled beaches, such as this one, 
to assess the depth of oil penetration. Their assessments were used by spill responders 
to choose beach cleanup methods. NOAA biologists continue to use this information in long-
term monitoring studies to assess the effectiveness of the cleanup methods used on these 
beaches.

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