July 2016 – Page 2 – Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative

While there are many oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico, this study’s research indicates that most rigs operate without incidence. (Photo by Steve DiMarco)

Study Uses Gulf Science Data to Analyze Water Chemistry near Deepwater Horizon

July 12, 2016

Texas A&M University scientists analyzed data made publically-available by BP for 20,000+ water samples collected from 13,000 stations during and after the 2010 spill. They found that oil occurrence was patchy with only about 20% of the samples having hydrocarbon levels above pre-spill background conditions.

Sleep Dragon seep site in the Gulf of Mexico. (Photo by Ocean Exploration Trust, Inc./GISR)

Study Uses ROV Imaging System to Measure Gas Bubble Size, Velocity, and Diffusion

July 7, 2016

Scientists used stereoscopic high-speed, high-resolution cameras mounted on remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to make fine-scale imaging and chemistry measurements inside and around gas bubbles rising from two natural Gulf of Mexico seeps.

This figure depicts two vials in which a thin layer of crude oil was placed over simulated sea water. Different dispersants were added to each vial, and the vials were lightly shaken and photographed 30 minutes later. The left vial shows an example of bad or ineffective emulsion, where the crude oil remains as a dark brown slick on the water’s surface and the water column contains negligible oil. The right vial shows an example of good and effective emulsion, where the crude oil is dispersed into small droplets in the water column. (Photos by Jasmin Athas)

Identifying Effective, Food-Grade Dispersants for the Future

July 5, 2016

Oil spill responders currently have the option to treat oil spills with a synthetic dispersant called Corexit, however scientists continue to search for alternatives. In this search, scientists seek to develop an understanding of the specific mechanisms that drive dispersion and identify an effective combination of food-grade components.