Deepwater Horizon Nearshore Environmental Assessment Data

NOAA NCEI archives nearshore sediment and water data collected for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill response and assessment. The collection includes discrete samples, field observations, and photographs from the Gulf of Mexico nearshore zone, compiled by the NOAA Office of Response and Restoration. Data were gathered between June 21, 2010, and March 24, 2011.

Use Cases

• Analyze sediment contamination levels from field observations to map the spatial extent of oil spill injury.
• Correlate invertebrate population data from discrete samples with water quality metrics to assess ecological damage.
• Use field photographs with geospatial coordinates for visual validation of observed environmental conditions.
• Model the temporal progression of ecosystem recovery using data collected across the 9-month sampling period.

Strengths

• Data collection spans a 9-month critical period (June 2010 to March 2011) following the spill.
• Includes multiple data modalities: discrete samples, field observations, and photographs.
• Compiled and archived by authoritative agencies NOAA OR&R and NCEI for the official NRDA process.

Limitations

• Specific sample counts, row numbers, and column details are unknown.
• Data is temporally stale, with the last update in March 2011, limiting analysis of long-term recovery.
• Geographic focus is limited to the nearshore zone of the Gulf of Mexico affected by the Deepwater Horizon spill.

Provenance

Source

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), originating from the NOAA Office of Response and Restoration and Trustees.

Collection Method

Discrete samples, field observations, and photographs gathered by the Nearshore Sediment and Associated Resources Technical Working Group during response and assessment phases.

Time Range

2010-06-21 to 2011-03-24

Freshness

Static historical dataset; last updated 2011-03-24.

Geography

Gulf of Mexico nearshore zone, from the low-tide line to the continental shelf edge at 656 feet depth.