Pouring oil on choppy water effectively calms the surface.
the verdict
SUPPORTED
the evidence backs this
confidence 84/100
Scientific literature confirms that spreading oil or surfactants on water alters surface tension and introduces elasticity, which effectively damps and calms surface waves through the Marangoni effect.
Evidence for · 3
In situ measurements of surface tension, wave damping, and wind properties modified by natural films
1992 · cited by 26
In situ measurements demonstrate that surface slicks and films significantly alter surface tension, reduce wind stress, and suppress wave action via the Marangoni effect.
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More for · 2
Short wave damping in the simultaneous presence of a surface film and turbulence
1998 · cited by 7
Laboratory studies confirm that surface films and surfactants effectively increase the decay rate of short gravity and capillary waves.
A phenomenological model of wave damping due to oil films
2019 · cited by 2
A phenomenological model and laboratory measurements confirm that oil films of varying thicknesses provide the necessary elasticity and damping properties to calm surface waves.