Gulf of Mexico Oceanographic Data from Deepwater Horizon Response Cruise

Oceanographic data profiles were collected aboard the R/V Ferrel over a 52-day period from July to August 2010 in response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The dataset includes measurements for CDOM fluorescence, volatile and semivolatile organic compounds, total petroleum hydrocarbons, conductivity, temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, and water density. Data collection and provisional analysis were conducted by the multi-agency Subsurface Monitoring Unit (SMU), with quality procedures handled by the National Coastal Data Development Center.

Use Cases

• Correlate Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) and Volatile Organic Compound measurements with salinity and temperature profiles to model subsurface plume behavior.
• Analyze CDOM fluorescence and dissolved oxygen levels against hydrostatic pressure data to assess biological and chemical impacts of the spill.
• Map the spatial distribution of Semivolatile Organic Compounds and water density measurements collected via CTD casts for environmental forensics.
• Use conductivity, temperature, and sound velocity data to calibrate oceanographic models of the Gulf of Mexico during the spill response period.

Strengths

• Data covers a specific 52-day cruise in a critical post-spill period from 2010-07-07 to 2010-08-27.
• Includes multiple data types: chemical analysis (TPH, VOCs), physical profiles (CTD), and supporting products (charts, GIS files).
• CTD data underwent preliminary quality assurance and control procedures by the National Coastal Data Development Center (NCDDC).

Limitations

• Analytical chemistry data for water and sediment samples are labeled as provisional, indicating uncertified status.
• Sample size, row count, and specific data resolution are unknown from the provided metadata.
• Temporal coverage is limited to a single cruise event, not a long-term time series.

Provenance

Source

Subsurface Monitoring Unit (SMU), a consortium of government and corporate agencies, via NOAA NCEI (Accession 0069066).

Collection Method

Collected aboard the R/V Ferrel using CTD, bottle samplers, fluorometers, oxygen meters, and other physical sampling devices, with subsequent onshore laboratory analysis.

Time Range

2010-07-07 to 2010-08-27

Freshness

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Geography

Gulf of Mexico, specifically the area impacted by the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill.