Gulf of Mexico Oceanographic Data from Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Response

Chemical, physical, and profile oceanographic data were collected aboard the F. G. Walton Smith research vessel in the Gulf of Mexico from June 1 to June 6, 2010. The Subsurface Monitoring Unit, a multi-agency group, gathered this data in response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. It includes measurements of CDOM fluorescence, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, salinity, temperature, and water density using CTDs, fluorometers, and oxygen meters.

Use Cases

• Analyzing correlations between salinity, temperature, and water density to model oil plume dispersion.
• Mapping dissolved oxygen levels and CDOM fluorescence to assess biological activity and hydrocarbon presence.
• Using hydrostatic pressure and sound velocity profiles for oceanographic modeling and instrument calibration.
• Investigating conductivity and temperature relationships to understand water mass structure post-spill.

Strengths

• Data collected over a focused 6-day period during a major environmental event.
• Includes 8+ specific oceanographic parameters (e.g., CDOM, dissolved oxygen, salinity).
• Preliminary quality assurance and control procedures were applied by the National Coastal Data Development Center.

Limitations

• Limited temporal coverage to a single week in June 2010.
• Geographic scope is restricted to the specific cruise track of the F. G. Walton Smith in the Gulf of Mexico.
• Unknown sample size and row count for the underlying data tables.

Provenance

Source

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

Collection Method

In-situ collection using CTD, fluorometer, oxygen meter, and other physical sampling devices aboard a research vessel.

Time Range

2010-06-01 to 2010-06-06

Freshness

null

Geography

Gulf of Mexico