Life Sciences | Open Access Articles | Digital Commons Network™

Tracking The Hercules 265 Marine Gas Well Blowout In The Gulf Of Mexico, Isabel C. Romero, Tamay Özgökmen, Susan Snyder, Patrick Schwing, Bryan J. O'Malley, Francisco J. Beron‐Vera, Maria J. Olascoaga, Ping Zhu, Edward Ryan, Shuyi S. Chen, Dana L. Wetzel, David Hollander, Steven Murawski

Marine Science Faculty Publications

On 23 July 2013, a marine gas rig (Hercules 265) ignited in the northern Gulf of Mexico. The rig burned out of control for 2 days before being extinguished. We conducted a rapid‐response sampling campaign near Hercules 265 after the fire to ascertain if sediments and fishes were polluted above earlier baseline levels. A surface drifter study confirmed that surface ocean water flowed to the southeast of the Hercules site, while the atmospheric plume generated by the blowout was in eastward direction. Sediment cores were collected to the SE of the rig at a distance of ∼0.2, 8, …

Go to article

Nutrient Concentrations For The Northeastern Gulf Of Mexico And West Florida Shelf: June 2012 – August 2014, Kendra L. Daly

C-IMAGE data

This dataset contains seasonal nutrient data collected from the northeastern Gulf of Mexico and the west Florida shelf. The contents of the dataset are an assessment of to assess the seasonal and interannual concentration and distribution of nutrients after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

Go to article

Passive Acoustic Monitoring Of Beaked Whale Densities In The Gulf Of Mexico, John A. Hildebrand, Simone Baumann-Pickering, Kaitlin E. Frasier, Jennifer S. Trickey, Karlina P. Merkens, Sean M. Wiggins, Mark A. Mcdonald, Lance P. Garrison, Danielle Harris, Tiago A. Marques, Len Thomas

C-IMAGE Publications

Beaked whales are deep diving elusive animals, difficult to census with conventional visual surveys. Methods are presented for the density estimation of beaked whales, using passive acoustic monitoring data collected at sites in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) from the period during and following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill (2010-2013). Beaked whale species detected include: Gervais' (Mesoplodon europaeus), Cuvier's (Ziphius cavirostris), Blainville's (Mesoplodon densirostris) and an unknown species of Mesoplodon sp. (designated as Beaked Whale Gulf - BWG). For Gervais' and Cuvier's beaked whales, we estimated weekly animal density using two methods, one based on the number of echolocation clicks, …

Go to article

Detection Of Floating Oil Anomalies From The Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill With Synthetic Aperture Radar, Oscar Garcia-Pineda, Ian Macdonald, Chuanmin Hu, Jan Svejkovsky, Mark Hess, Dmitry Dukhovskoy, Steven L. Morey

C-IMAGE Publications

Detection of oil floating on the ocean surface, and particularly thick layers of it, is crucial for emergency response to oil spills. While detection of oil on the ocean surface is possible under moderate sea-state conditions using a variety of remote-sensing methods, estimation of oil layer thickness is technically challenging. In this paper, we used synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery collected during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and the Texture Classifier Neural Network Algorithm (TCNNA) to identify the spill’s extent. We then developed an oil emulsion detection algorithm using TCNNA outputs to enhance the contrast of pixels within the oil …

Go to article

Sedimentation Pulse In The Ne Gulf Of Mexico Following The 2010 Dwh Blowout, Gregg R. Brooks, Rebekka A. Larson, Patrick Schwing, Isabel C. Romero, Christopher Moore, Gert-Jan Reichart, Tom Jilbert, Jeff P. Chanton, David W. Hastings, Will A. Overholt, Kala P. Marks, Joel E. Kostka, Charles W. Holmes, David Hollander

Marine Science Faculty Publications

The objective of this study was to investigate the impacts of the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil discharge at the seafloor as recorded in bottom sediments of the DeSoto Canyon region in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico. Through a close coupling of sedimentological, geochemical, and biological approaches, multiple independent lines of evidence from 11 sites sampled in November/December 2010 revealed that the upper ~1 cm depth interval is distinct from underlying sediments and results indicate that particles originated at the sea surface. Consistent dissimilarities in grain size over the surficial ~1 cm of sediments correspond to excess ²³⁴Th depths, which …

Go to article

Hydrocarbons In Deep-Sea Sediments Following The 2010 Deepwater Horizon Blowout In The Northeast Gulf Of Mexico, Isabel C. Romero, Patrick Schwing, Gregg R Brooks, Rebekka A Larson, David W. Hastings, Greg Ellis, Ethan Goddard, David Hollander

Marine Science Faculty Publications

The Deepwater Horizon (DWH) spill released 4.9 million barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico (GoM) over 87 days. Sediment and water sampling efforts were concentrated SW of the DWH and in coastal areas. Here we present geochemistry data from sediment cores collected in the aftermath of the DWH event from 1000-1500 m water depth in the DeSoto Canyon, NE of the DWH wellhead. Cores were analyzed at high-resolution (at 2 mm and 5 mm intervals) in order to evaluate the concentration, composition and input of hydrocarbons to the seafloor. Specifically, we analyzed total organic carbon (TOC), aliphatic, polycyclic …

Go to article

Draft Genome Sequence Of The Piezotolerant And Crude Oil-Degrading Bacterium Rhodococcus Qingshengii Strain Tuhh-12, Sara A. Lincoln, Trinity L. Hamilton, Ana Gabriela Valladares Juárez, Martina Schedler, Jennifer L. Macalady, Rudolf Müller, Katherine H. Freeman

C-IMAGE Publications

We report here the draft genome sequence of Rhodococcus qingshengii strain TUHH-12. The ability of this piezotolerant bacterium to grow on crude oil and tetracosane as sole carbon sources at 150 × 10(5) Pa makes it useful in studies of hydrocarbon degradation under simulated deep-sea conditions.

Go to article

Strategic Assessment Of Fisheries Independent Monitoring Programs In The Gulf Of Mexico, Paul Mark Suprenand, Michael Drexler, David L. Jones, Cameron H. Ainsworth

Marine Science Faculty Publications

This study evaluates information produced from 14 fisheries independent monitoring programs (FIM) in the Gulf of Mexico. We consider the uniqueness of information from each program and its usefulness in estimating fisheries management indices. Biomass values of 35 functional groups are extracted from an operating model (Ecospace) in such a way as to replicate the patterns of historic FIM samplings. Observation error is added to these data in order to create a set of pseudo data that replicates the type and quality of information obtained from FIM programs. The pseudo data then are put into a separate fishery assessment model …

Go to article

A Decline In Benthic Foraminifera Following The Deepwater Horizon Event In The Northeastern Gulf Of Mexico, Patrick Schwing, Isabel Romero, Gregg R. Brooks, David Hastings, Rebekka A. Larson, David Hollander

C-IMAGE Publications

Sediment cores were collected from three sites (1000–1200 m water depth) in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico from December 2010 to June 2011 to assess changes in benthic foraminiferal density related to the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) event (April-July 2010, 1500 m water depth). Short-lived radioisotope geochronologies (²¹⁰Pb, ²³⁴Th), organic geochemical assessments, and redox metal concentrations were determined to relate changes in sediment accumulation rate, contamination, and redox conditions with benthic foraminiferal density. Cores collected in December 2010 indicated a decline in density (80–93%). This decline was characterized by a decrease in benthic foraminiferal density and benthic foraminiferal …

Go to article

Ocean Currents Generate Large Footprints In Marine Palaeoclimate Proxies, Erik Van Sebille, Paolo Scussolini, Jonathan V. Durgadoo, Frank J. C. Peeters, Arne Biastoch, Wilbert Weijer, Chris Turney, Claire B. Paris, Rainer Zahn

C-IMAGE Publications

Fossils of marine microorganisms such as planktic foraminifera are among the cornerstones of palaeoclimatological studies. It is often assumed that the proxies derived from their shells represent ocean conditions above the location where they were deposited. Planktic foraminifera, however, are carried by ocean currents and, depending on the life traits of the species, potentially incorporate distant ocean conditions. Here we use high-resolution ocean models to assess the footprint of planktic foraminifera and validate our method with proxy analyses from two locations. Results show that foraminifera, and thus recorded palaeoclimatic conditions, may originate from areas up to several thousands of kilometres …

Go to article

A Decline In Benthic Foraminifera Following The Deepwater Horizon Event In The Northeastern Gulf Of Mexico, Patrick Schwing, Isabel C. Romero, Gregg R Brooks, David W Hastings, Rebekka A Larson, David Hollander

Marine Science Faculty Publications

Sediment cores were collected from three sites (1000-1200 m water depth) in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico from December 2010 to June 2011 to assess changes in benthic foraminiferal density related to the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) event (April-July 2010, 1500 m water depth). Short-lived radioisotope geochronologies (²¹⁰Pb, ²³⁴Th), organic geochemical assessments, and redox metal concentrations were determined to relate changes in sediment accumulation rate, contamination, and redox conditions with benthic foraminiferal density. Cores collected in December 2010 indicated a decline in density (80-93%). This decline was characterized by a decrease in benthic foraminiferal density and benthic foraminiferal accumulation rate (BFAR) …

Go to article

An Atlantis Ecosystem Model For The Gulf Of Mexico Supporting Integrated Ecosystem Assessment, Cameron Ainsworth, Michael Schirripa, Hem Nalini Morzaria-Luna

C-IMAGE Publications

"The Gulf of Mexico supports a high biological diversity and biomass of fish, seabirds, and mammals; in this region, multiple commercial and recreational fishing fleets operate providing economic resources for local populations. The Gulf is also the site of important oil and gas production and tourism. As a result of intensive human use, the Gulf is subject to various impacts, including oil spills, habitat degradation, and anoxia. Management of this Large Marine Ecosystem requires an ecosystem-based management approach that provides a holistic approach to resource management. The Gulf of Mexico is managed as part of NOAA's Integrated Ecosystem Assessment Program …

Go to article

Enhancing The Ocean Observing System To Meet Restoration Challenges In The Gulf Of Mexico, Steven Murawski, William T. Hogarth

C-IMAGE Publications

As a result of fines and penalties generated by the settlement of civil and criminal actions and the Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration (NRDAR) claims resulting from the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) incident, various entities are poised to receive billions of dollars to improve the health and resilience of the Gulf of Mexico large marine ecosystem. While much of the funding will go to economic development in states impacted by the oil spill, the lion’s share will be used to restore specific natural resources damaged as a result of DWH and to tackle larger and more chronic environmental issues such …

Go to article

Lethal And Sublethal Effects Of Oil, Chemical Dispersant, And Dispersed Oil On The Ctenophore Mnemiopsis Leidyi, Ryan F. Peiffer, Jonathan H. Cohen

C-IMAGE Publications

We established the lethal levels for water-accommodated fractions of Corexit^® 9500A chemical dispersant, crude oil (WAF), and dispersed crude oil (CEWAF) for the ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi at both 15 and 23°C. This gelatinous zooplankter was sensitive to dispersant at both temperatures, as well as to oil solutions, with some increase in toxicity of CEWAF as compared to WAF. Subsequent sublethal assays for routine respiration rate, bioluminescence, and glutathione-s-transferase (GST) activity were conducted on individuals surviving 24 h exposures to test solutions at both 15 and 23°C. GST activity increased significantly in 2.5 and 5 mg l^-1 dispersant solutions …

Go to article

Life Sciences Commons^™

Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences

Tracking The Hercules 265 Marine Gas Well Blowout In The Gulf Of Mexico, Isabel C. Romero, Tamay Özgökmen, Susan Snyder, Patrick Schwing, Bryan J. O'Malley, Francisco J. Beron‐Vera, Maria J. Olascoaga, Ping Zhu, Edward Ryan, Shuyi S. Chen, Dana L. Wetzel, David Hollander, Steven Murawski

Marine Science Faculty Publications

Nutrient Concentrations For The Northeastern Gulf Of Mexico And West Florida Shelf: June 2012 – August 2014, Kendra L. Daly

C-IMAGE data

Passive Acoustic Monitoring Of Beaked Whale Densities In The Gulf Of Mexico, John A. Hildebrand, Simone Baumann-Pickering, Kaitlin E. Frasier, Jennifer S. Trickey, Karlina P. Merkens, Sean M. Wiggins, Mark A. Mcdonald, Lance P. Garrison, Danielle Harris, Tiago A. Marques, Len Thomas

C-IMAGE Publications

Detection Of Floating Oil Anomalies From The Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill With Synthetic Aperture Radar, Oscar Garcia-Pineda, Ian Macdonald, Chuanmin Hu, Jan Svejkovsky, Mark Hess, Dmitry Dukhovskoy, Steven L. Morey

C-IMAGE Publications

Marine Science Faculty Publications

Hydrocarbons In Deep-Sea Sediments Following The 2010 Deepwater Horizon Blowout In The Northeast Gulf Of Mexico, Isabel C. Romero, Patrick Schwing, Gregg R Brooks, Rebekka A Larson, David W. Hastings, Greg Ellis, Ethan Goddard, David Hollander

Marine Science Faculty Publications

Draft Genome Sequence Of The Piezotolerant And Crude Oil-Degrading Bacterium Rhodococcus Qingshengii Strain Tuhh-12, Sara A. Lincoln, Trinity L. Hamilton, Ana Gabriela Valladares Juárez, Martina Schedler, Jennifer L. Macalady, Rudolf Müller, Katherine H. Freeman

C-IMAGE Publications

Strategic Assessment Of Fisheries Independent Monitoring Programs In The Gulf Of Mexico, Paul Mark Suprenand, Michael Drexler, David L. Jones, Cameron H. Ainsworth

Marine Science Faculty Publications

A Decline In Benthic Foraminifera Following The Deepwater Horizon Event In The Northeastern Gulf Of Mexico, Patrick Schwing, Isabel Romero, Gregg R. Brooks, David Hastings, Rebekka A. Larson, David Hollander

C-IMAGE Publications

Ocean Currents Generate Large Footprints In Marine Palaeoclimate Proxies, Erik Van Sebille, Paolo Scussolini, Jonathan V. Durgadoo, Frank J. C. Peeters, Arne Biastoch, Wilbert Weijer, Chris Turney, Claire B. Paris, Rainer Zahn

C-IMAGE Publications

A Decline In Benthic Foraminifera Following The Deepwater Horizon Event In The Northeastern Gulf Of Mexico, Patrick Schwing, Isabel C. Romero, Gregg R Brooks, David W Hastings, Rebekka A Larson, David Hollander

Marine Science Faculty Publications

An Atlantis Ecosystem Model For The Gulf Of Mexico Supporting Integrated Ecosystem Assessment, Cameron Ainsworth, Michael Schirripa, Hem Nalini Morzaria-Luna

C-IMAGE Publications

Enhancing The Ocean Observing System To Meet Restoration Challenges In The Gulf Of Mexico, Steven Murawski, William T. Hogarth

C-IMAGE Publications

Lethal And Sublethal Effects Of Oil, Chemical Dispersant, And Dispersed Oil On The Ctenophore Mnemiopsis Leidyi, Ryan F. Peiffer, Jonathan H. Cohen

C-IMAGE Publications