Oceanographic Measurements from the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Response

Over 10 distinct chemical and physical parameters, including CDOM fluorescence, Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons, methane, and salinity, were recorded in the Gulf of Mexico. Data was collected aboard the R/V Ryan Chouest from September 4-8, 2010 by a multi-agency Subsurface Monitoring Unit in direct response to the Deepwater Horizon disaster. This dataset represents a focused, post-spill environmental assessment.

Use Cases

• Correlate Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) and methane concentrations with salinity and temperature to track oil plume movement.
• Analyze dissolved oxygen levels against CDOM fluorescence and conductivity to assess biological impacts of the spill.
• Model water density and sound velocity profiles from CTD-derived hydrostatic pressure and temperature data.
• Use time-series of fluorescence and conductivity to identify stratification changes or mixing events post-spill.

Strengths

• Data includes over 10 specific, measured oceanographic variables relevant to oil spill impact.
• Collection occurred during a critical 5-day window immediately following a major environmental event.
• CTD data underwent preliminary quality assurance by the National Coastal Data Development Center.

Limitations

• Temporal coverage is limited to only 5 days, providing a snapshot rather than long-term trend analysis.
• Hydrocarbon Sensor Array data is noted as raw and provisional, requiring validation.
• Sample size and spatial resolution are unknown, limiting statistical power for some analyses.

Provenance

Source

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI).

Collection Method

Collected via shipboard CTD, fluorometer, gas chromatograph, methane sensor, and oxygen meter.

Time Range

2010-09-04 to 2010-09-08.

Freshness

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Geography

Gulf of Mexico, specific cruise track of the R/V Ryan Chouest.