2016 – Page 7 – Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative

Weathered Oil from DW Horizon Spill May Threaten Fish Embryos and Larvae Development

July 25, 2016

Study on mahi-mahi embryos and larvae shows toxic oil affects developing heart, eye and neurological function

Stefan Bourgoin and Don Deis sampling fiddler crabs and periwinkles at a study site in Barataria Bay, Louisiana. (Provided by Don Deis)

Study Investigates Oil Spill Impacts and Recovery of Salt Marsh Fiddler Crab Populations

July 20, 2016

Scientists conducted a meta-analysis of Gulf of Mexico fiddler crab data across multiple years, sites, and studies to examine if the Deepwater Horizon oil spill impacted the crabs’ size, abundance, and population composition.

The project’s glider missions will involve two gliders – one equipped to measure turbulence – patrolling between two moorings (stars) for 1-2 months. A 12x12 grid of High Resolution Profiler (HRP3) stations will also collect CTD and oceanic velocity data for two weeks. Three field programs will be conducted, one occurring each year of the grant. Moorings (black squares), tracer injection (green dots), an initial sampling (red dots) from the previous study are also shown. (Image by the WHOI Advanced Engineering Lab)

Investigating How Complex Deepwater Topography Influences Oil Dispersion

July 14, 2016

The active environment of the Gulf of Mexico’s continental slope contains diverse currents that are difficult to simulate and predict.

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.

Eckerd College students transferring a multicore from a collection barrel to a working barrel aboard the R/V Weatherbird II, June 2011. (Photo provided by Gregg Brooks)

Study Examines Sediment East of Deepwater Horizon for Oil-Associated Marine Snow

June 30, 2016

Scientists analyzed sea floor sediment in the Gulf of Mexico’s DeSoto Canyon region to investigate potential oil spill impacts. Evidence from sedimentological, geochronological, geochemical, and biological sources pointed to a rapid, 4-5 month sedimentation event in late 2010.

Partially buried oil at Pensacola Beach, Florida, showing oil deposited in intertidal (partially submerged) and supratidal (exposed) sands. Depending on the location of the oil burial, oil-degrading microbes are exposed to very different environmental settings ranging from permanently submerged to permanently dry. The location of the buried oil also affects the oil’s exposure to oxygen, nutrients, and heat and thus impacts the rates of microbial degradation. (Photo by Markus Huettel)

Digging Up the Mechanisms of Buried Oil Degradation

June 28, 2016

Spilled oil buried in nearshore sediment can persist for many years and act as a long-term source of episodic hydrocarbon contamination in the environment.

Dr. Arezoo Motavalizadeh Ardekani, assistant professor in the School of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University. (Photo credit: Purdue Office of Research and Partnerships)

Arezoo Ardekani Receives PECASE

June 24, 2016

The Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative congratulates one of its own – Dr. Arezoo Motavalizadeh Ardekani, an assistant professor at Purdue University’s School of Mechanical Engineering – for receiving the prestigious Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE).

Sea Grant Releases Brochure on Oil Spill Impacts on Fisheries

June 16, 2016

The Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative is pleased to announce a new Sea Grant informational brochure about Deepwater Horizon oil spill impacts on fisheries. This brochure synthesizes peer-reviewed oil spill science for a broad range of general audiences, particularly those who live and work across the Gulf Coast.