The Smithsonian Ocean Portal posted a blog that describes the needs and challenges of sharing scientific data, especially unique data collected after a disaster such as the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
Genomics is a powerful method to track things that humans cannot see. Months and years after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, many people wondered where the oil went or where it might be lingering or what it may affect after it was no longer visible. Scientists are using genomic techniques such as DNA sequencing to help answer some of these questions.
Phytoplankton are active organic carbon producers and help drive the processes that move carbon from the ocean surface to the sea floor. Scientists are investigating impacts from the sudden large input of carbon from the Deepwater Horizon spill on this important biological cycle.
An exciting aspect of scientific research is unexpected discovery. While investigating impacts from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, scientists made unanticipated, yet fundamentally important, discoveries that shape our understanding of ocean science and Gulf ecosystems.
Responders to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill used nearly two million gallons of dispersant to assist biodegradation and prevent shoreline oiling.
During the Deepwater Horizon incident, both oil and methane entered the surrounding marine environment from the Macondo reservoir. Scientists are investigating the released methane’s effects on deep-sea ecosystems.
Scientists funded by the Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative (GoMRI) are investigating the impacts of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on the environment and public health and contributing to improved response technologies.
Visitors to the Smithsonian Ocean Portal now have the opportunity to learn more about oil spills like the Deepwater Horizon.
The Smithsonian Ocean Portal posted a guest blog by Patrick Schwing about GoMRI-funded research. Schwing is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of South Florida, College of Marine Science, and member of the C-IMAGE and Deep-C consortia.
The Smithsonian magazine posted a story featuring GoMRI-funded research as they discuss “myths and misconceptions about the Gulf oil spill” related to seafood and marine ecosystem recovery.