Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Oceanographic Survey Data from RYAN CHOUEST

Oceanographic data from the Gulf of Mexico were collected aboard the RYAN CHOUEST from September 15-22, 2010, in direct response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The dataset includes chemical analysis of hydrocarbons, physical water column profiles, and laboratory results for water and sediment samples. It was collected by the multi-agency Subsurface Monitoring Unit (SMU) and processed by the National Coastal Data Development Center.

Use Cases

• Analyzing concentrations of specific hydrocarbons like benzo(a)pyrene and Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) in seawater.
• Correlating physical water column parameters (temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen) with chemical contaminant levels.
• Mapping the spatial distribution of oil spill-related compounds using the included GIS-formatted data files.
• Assessing subsurface water quality post-spill using CTD profile data for conductivity, temperature, and depth.

Strengths

• Data underwent preliminary quality assurance and control procedures at the National Coastal Data Development Center (NCDDC).
• Includes detailed laboratory analysis for a wide range of specific Semivolatile Organic Compounds (e.g., acenaphthene, anthracene).
• Covers a focused, critical 8-day period immediately following a major environmental disaster.

Limitations

• The analytical chemistry data are labeled as provisional, indicating they may not be final validated results.
• Exact row counts, column names, and dataset size are not provided by any source, limiting precise assessment of scope.
• A conflict exists in the 'last updated' metadata, with one source listing 2010-09-22 and another listing 2026-03-05.

Provenance

Source

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

Collection Method

Data gathered via CTD, bottle samples, fluorometers, and oxygen meters aboard a research vessel, with onshore laboratory analysis.

Time Range

2010-09-15 to 2010-09-22

Freshness

2026-03-05 23:11:24.273233

Geography

Gulf of Mexico