Hydrocarbon and Fluorescence Data from Deepwater Horizon Spill Response Cruise

Chemical oceanographic data were collected aboard the RYAN CHOUEST in the Gulf of Mexico from August 13 to 23, 2010, in direct response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The dataset includes measurements of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) and fluorescence, gathered using instruments like fluorometers and gas chromatographs by the multi-agency Subsurface Monitoring Unit (SMU). It contains raw sensor data and derived products such as charts, maps, and GIS files for real-time analysis.

Use Cases

• Analyzing subsurface hydrocarbon concentrations (TPH) and fluorescence signatures to map the extent of oil plumes.
• Correlating chemical measurements with physical oceanographic data like depth and conductivity for integrated environmental assessment.
• Using GIS-formatted data files and maps for spatial decision support during emergency response operations.
• Studying the chemical composition of spilled oil through chromatogram data for source fingerprinting and degradation studies.

Strengths

• Data collection was focused on a critical 11-day period immediately following a major environmental disaster, providing a temporal snapshot.
• Includes both raw, provisional sensor data and processed decision-support products like charts and maps.
• Collected by a coordinated multi-agency government and corporate team (Subsurface Monitoring Unit), suggesting standardized protocols.

Limitations

• The dataset is described as 'raw and provisional', indicating it may not be fully quality-controlled or calibrated.
• Core metadata such as row count, specific column names, and exact file formats are not provided across any platform.
• There is a conflict in 'last updated' dates: datagov lists 2026-03 06, while nasa_earthdata lists 2010-08-23.

Provenance

Source

Subsurface Monitoring Unit (SMU), consisting of multiple government and corporate agencies, archived by NOAA NCEI (Accession 0084587).

Collection Method

In-situ collection using fluorometers, gas chromatographs, and other physical sampling devices aboard the R/V RYAN CHOUEST.

Time Range

2010-08-13 to 2010-08-23

Freshness

2026-03-06 00:22:03.111417

Geography

Gulf of Mexico