Pronunciation: [tˈɑːbɔːlz] (IPA) 
Tarballs (tahr-bawls) are clumps of thick, sticky tar that wash up on beaches or float in the ocean after an oil spill. The word "tar" is spelled with the consonants /t/ and /r/ and the vowel / ɑː /, while "balls" is spelled with the consonants /b/, /l/ and /z/ and the vowel / ɔː /. When combined, the word is spelled with two consonants /t/ and /b/, followed by the vowel / ɔː / and the consonants /l/ and /z/.
Tarballs are sticky clumps or masses of solid or semisolid substances made up primarily of petroleum products. They are typically a result of oil spills or leaks and can be found in various environments, both on land and in bodies of water. Tarballs are formed when oil is exposed to the environment and undergoes weathering or degradation processes, causing it to solidify and form small, sticky balls.
These balls can vary in size, ranging from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter. They are usually dark in color, often appearing black or brown, due to the presence of carbon-containing compounds in the oil. Tarballs can also be composed of a combination of oil and other materials, such as sand, sediment, or organic matter, which may adhere to the oil and contribute to their overall composition and appearance.
The formation and distribution of tarballs can have significant impacts on ecosystems and wildlife, as they can contaminate water bodies, beaches, and other habitats. Marine organisms, such as birds, fish, and shellfish, can become coated in tarballs, leading to smothering, suffocation, or disruption of their natural functions. Additionally, tarballs can have long-lasting effects on the environment, persisting in sediments or being carried by ocean currents, and potentially re-impacting areas that have undergone cleanup efforts.
Efforts to mitigate the negative effects of tarballs range from mechanical removal, such as beach cleanups, to the use of dispersants and natural degradation processes.
The word "tarballs" is a combination of two elements: "tar" and "balls".
"Tar" originated from the Old English word "teoru", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "terwą". This word eventually entered the Middle English vocabulary as "tare" and referred to a viscous, black substance derived from the distillation of organic materials, such as wood or coal.
The term "balls" comes from the Old English word "beallu", which also derives from Proto-Germanic origins. It originally referred to a rounded or spherical object.
When combined, "tarballs" describes small, round masses or blobs of tar, typically found in coastal areas as a result of oil spills, natural seepage, or other sources. The term is often used in the context of environmental pollution and cleanup efforts.
