Gulf of Mexico CTD Data from Deepwater Horizon Spill Response Cruise

August 21 to September 2, 2010 oceanographic data were collected aboard the R/V Cape Hatteras in the Gulf of Mexico in direct response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The dataset includes measurements like CDOM fluorescence, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, salinity, temperature, and water density, captured using CTD, fluorometer, and oxygen meter instruments. Data were gathered by a multi-agency Subsurface Monitoring Unit and underwent preliminary quality procedures by the National Coastal Data Development Center.

Use Cases

• Analyzing vertical profiles of temperature, salinity, and density to understand water column structure post-spill.
• Correlating CDOM fluorescence and standard fluorescence measurements with subsurface hydrocarbon dispersion.
• Assessing dissolved oxygen levels to evaluate potential impacts on marine biogeochemistry and hypoxia.
• Using conductivity and sound velocity data for calibrating hydrodynamic or acoustic models of the spill area.
• Integrating hydrostatic pressure and depth readings for precise geolocation of sampling stations.

Strengths

• Data collection was part of a coordinated, multi-agency federal response (Subsurface Monitoring Unit) to a major environmental event.
• CTD data underwent preliminary quality assurance and control procedures at the National Coastal Data Development Center.
• Cruise-level documentation includes reports, plans, videos, and pictures, providing contextual metadata.

Limitations

• Specific column names, row counts, and dataset size are not provided by any source platform.
• Conflicting 'last updated' dates exist between sources (2010-09 02 vs. 2026-03-05), indicating potential metadata inconsistency.

Provenance

Source

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

Collection Method

In-situ collection using CTD, fluorometer, and oxygen meter instruments aboard the R/V Cape Hatteras.

Time Range

2010-08-21 to 2010-09-02

Freshness

2026-03-05 23:59:37.098808

Geography

Gulf of Mexico