Gulf of Mexico Hydrocarbon Measurements Following Deepwater Horizon Spill

Chemical oceanographic data were collected aboard the R/V Ryan Chouest in the Gulf of Mexico from June 7 to 9, 2010, in direct response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The dataset includes measurements of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) and fluorescence, collected by a multi-agency Subsurface Monitoring Unit using instruments like fluorometers and gas chromatographs. Data and associated analysis products were managed and archived by NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information.

Use Cases

• Analyze spatial and temporal patterns of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) concentrations to model oil plume movement.
• Correlate fluorescence measurements with TPH data to calibrate remote or in-situ hydrocarbon sensors.
• Use the geospatial cruise track data to map sampling locations and validate ocean circulation models for the spill event.
• Assess the provisional hydrocarbon sensor array data for quality and integration into larger spill impact studies.

Strengths

• Data collected during a critical 3-day period immediately following a major environmental disaster.
• Includes direct chemical measurements (TPH and fluorescence) from specialized instruments.
• Managed and documented by a coordinated multi-agency government and corporate response unit (SMU).

Limitations

• Temporal coverage is limited to a very short 3-day window in June 2010.
• Data is described as raw and provisional, indicating it may not be fully quality-controlled.
• Specific sample count, column details, and data formats are not provided in the description.

Provenance

Source

Subsurface Monitoring Unit (SMU) and NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI).

Collection Method

In-situ collection via fluorometer, gas chromatograph, and other sampling devices aboard the R/V Ryan Chouest.

Time Range

2010-06-07 to 2010-06-09

Freshness

null

Geography

Gulf of Mexico