NCEI Accession 0069059: Oceanographic Data from Deepwater Horizon Spill Response

Oceanographic profile data were collected aboard the R/V Cape Hatteras in the Gulf of Mexico from September 4-15, 2010, specifically in response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The dataset includes measurements of CDOM fluorescence, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, salinity, temperature, and water density, collected using CTD, fluorometer, and oxygen meter instruments. Data underwent preliminary quality assurance by the National Coastal Data Development Center and are accompanied by cruise reports, plans, and documentation.

Use Cases

• Assessing subsurface oil dispersion based on CDOM fluorescence and dissolved oxygen levels.
• Modeling changes in water column structure using temperature, salinity, and density profiles.
• Monitoring post-spill environmental recovery over time using the time-series data.
• Calibrating oceanographic models with in-situ conductivity and sound velocity measurements.

Strengths

• Data collection was part of a coordinated, multi-agency government response to a major environmental event.
• Includes a specific 12-day time range (2010-09-04 to 2010-09-15) and geographic focus (Gulf of Mexico).
• Underwent preliminary quality assurance and control procedures at a national data center (NCDDC).

Limitations

• Column names and exact row counts are not provided in the available metadata, limiting detailed assessment.
• A conflict exists in the 'last updated' metadata between platforms (2010 vs. 2026), casting doubt on provenance clarity.
• The dataset's license and specific authorship details are not declared.

Provenance

Source

Subsurface Monitoring Unit (SMU), consisting of multiple government and corporate agencies.

Collection Method

Data collected via shipboard CTD, fluorometer, and oxygen meter instruments aboard the R/V Cape Hatteras.

Time Range

2010-09-04 to 2010-09-15

Freshness

2026-03-05 22:45:59.020208 (from datagov, though this conflicts with the 2010 date from nasa_earthdata)

Geography

Gulf of Mexico