DOCSLIB.ORG

Portal Official Newsletter of the Northern Gulf Institute

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Portal Official Newsletter of the Northern Gulf Institute Winter 2010 The Portal Official Newsletter of the Northern Gulf Institute NGI Activates Gulf of Mexico BP Research Projects Only multi-state research institute awarded NGI research is underway to address regional impacts from the Deep- water Horizon oil spill. The Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative awarded funds to NGI, the only multi-state regional research institu- tion to receive funding from BP for independent university research. Quickly allocating part of its ten million dollar award, NGI funded fast- track high-priority studies with researchers who were in the field to continue critical monitoring and assessment activities in areas affected in the Gulf region. NGI will distribute the remaining initial funds using a peer-reviewed selection process for collaborative research with a focus on observing and understanding regional impacts on coastal eco- systems and society. The initial award funded nine research institutions who adapted exist- ing activities and resources for oil impact studies. Research activities focus on sampling, assessment, and modeling of oil and dispersants and the organization and distribution of data to support on-going and fu- IN THIS ISSUE ture research needs. Details for these nine studies are available on the NGI website (see projects with ―BP‖ in their project number) http:// www.northerngulfinstitute.org/research/research.php. NGI Research Direction and Structure 2 Interns Contribute to NGI Research 2 Student Spotlight 4 Research Spotlight 4 Conference & Workshop Support 5 Regional Highlights 6 Deepwater Horizon incident site activity as seen by NGI scientist NGI Council Meetings 7 Steven Lohrenz on Mississippi National Guard flight, June 26, 2010. Photo credit: Steven Lohrenz, Chair, Department of Marine News Around NGI 8 Science, The University of Southern Mississippi Welcome Aboard 10 Research institutions receiving initial funding were Mississippi State Save the Date: 2011 NGI Conference 11 University, University of Mississippi, University of New Orleans, Harte Research Institute, Louisiana State University, The University of South- Letter from Director 12 ern Mississippi, Jackson State University, Dauphin Island Sea Labora- tory, and Florida State University. www.NorthernGulfInstitute.org NGI Research Direction and Structure efforts on the Ecosystem Data Assembly Center project. Impacts on ecosystems provide focus for research At the end-of-summer Internship Summit, the students described their work and what they learned: The NGI Council of Fellows recently endorsed a long- Carina Lopez-Cabrera studied nitrogen in water and term research direction and structure. Research is or- learned how to identify entry points in the watershed. ganized around three overlapping project clusters of Using her work, she prepared a technical paper for the ―Observe,‖ ―Understand,‖ and ―Apply.‖ The cluster 2010 Society of Hispanic Engineers conference. teams will address the fundamental hypothesis: Natural Breawna Kirkpatrick analyzed water samples col- and anthropogenic perturbations significantly impact the lected along beaches and inland rivers for the Mississippi Northern Gulf of Mexico ecosystem structure, function, and Department of Environmental Quality. Alex Cruz- processes. The three-cluster approach provides an over- Benitez gathered samples from sea grass beds in Flor- all framework to organize NGI’s research for Years 6-10 ida’s Big Bend region to determine differences among as well as current and future Deepwater Horizon Oil organic species that look similar. Templeton Tisdale Spill research. used the Phytoplankton Monitoring Network database to identify trends for harmful algal blooms. Two NGI Fellows serve as leads on each cluster team. Each team includes representation from each NGI insti- tution as well as one member from the other teams. This approach fosters both cross-cluster coordination I experienced different facets of NOAA that I and inter-institution collaboration. The broad purposes wouldn’t have otherwise considered. I now for the research clusters are to conduct regional obser- have an increased understanding of NOAA’s roles and responsibilities and highly recom- vations of northern Gulf ecosystems; synthesize the ob- servations to improve holistic understanding of ecosys- mend this program to students interested in working for NOAA—Jason James tem impacts; and develop applications and sampling pro- tocols that support an ecosystem approach to manage- ment. Regional management needs provide an overall Jason James prepared a digital image collection for focus for all three areas. This approach provides a uni- NCDDC from images taken with an AUV-mounted fied program direction that addresses various aspects of camera system. The pictures were from 2009 sea trials the above hypothesis and helps guide the selection of at sites close to the Deepwater Horizon site and will research projects. contribute to baseline seafloor condition data. Daniel Baker gathered samples in response to the oil spill dur- Summer Interns Contribute to NGI Work ing three research cruises off the coasts of Louisiana and Real. Live. Research. Florida. He used vertical line drops to gather data to help NOAA make decisions about fishing areas. Conducting research that matters was the unifying Rebecca Doss used analysis of fish eggs and larvae theme of this year’s 2010 NOAA-NGI Summer Diver- taken from oiled surface waters to contribute to a sity Internship program where students gained valuable working molecular database. Idrissa Boube conducted experience in field and laboratory settings. Dr. Tina analysis on shrimp to identify means for them to develop Miller-Way and Rachel Nowlin of the Dauphin Island Sea resistance to disease. Lab paired students with research mentors who inte- grated them with NGI projects across the Gulf region. Trent Key participated in the NOAA National Data All interns worked with metadata, contributing to the Buoy Center comparison tests of new and existing sen- NOAA National Coastal Data Development Center sors for waves and currents. He researched quality as- surance in instruments and saw how small flaws can lead to critical monetary and data loses. Reginald Powe learned about various models, parameters, and assump- tions used to predict weather. Hua Wang conducted an assessment of costs, benefits, and tradeoffs of rapid land-building techniques to re- store wetlands. Brenda Babin’s work showed the importance of integrating metadata into all stages of data collection. Dionne Bryant created habitat metadata and addressed issues of missing information. Front Row, L-R: Brewana Kirkpatrick, Brenda Babin, A privilege to work with such a prestigious Idrissa Boube, Rebecca Doss, Reginald Powe, Hua group of people all aiming for a wonderful Wang, Ashley Duckett (HS intern), Carina Lopez- Cabrera. Back Row, L-R: Daniel Baker, Trent Key, cause—Dionne Bryant Alexander Cruz-Benitez, Templeton Tisdale, and Dionne Bryant. Not pictured: Jason James. 2 The Portal - Newsletter of the Northern Gulf Institute www.NorthernGulfInstitute.org Thanks for the summer of my life! Meet the 2010 NOAA-NGI Diversity Summer Carina Lopez-Cabrera Interns and their Research Mentors Brenda Babin, Louisiana State University, Oceanography and Coastal Science. Interned at LSU. Dubravko Justic working with modeling and hypoxia was her mentor. Daniel Baker, University of Mississippi, Marine Biology. In- terned at NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service in Pascagoula, MS. Lisa DeFosse working with fisheries sampling and plankton surveys was his mentor. Idrissa Boube, University of Southern Mississippi, Marine Biology. Interned at the Gulf Coast Research Lab in Ocean Springs, MS. Joe Griffitt working with shrimp gene regulation and Sorting organisms by Particle size analysis of silt disease transmission and resistance was his mentor. and clay for nitrogen yields species from water samples in sea grass Dionne Bryant, Texas A&M, GIS. Interned at the Harte Gathering fish eggs and larvae in oiled surface Research Institute. James Gilbeaut working with data manage- waters off Alabama Coast ment and GIS was her mentor. Carina Lopez-Cabrera , Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, Environmental Engineering. Interned at Mississippi State University. Jairo Diaz-Ramirez working with environmental simu- lations and GIS was her mentor. Alexander Cruz-Benitez, University of Puerto Rico, Biology. Interned at the Florida State University Coastal and Ma- rine Lab. Chris Stallings working with marine ecology was his mentor. Rebecca Doss, Auburn University, Biology. Interned at Dau- phin Island Sea Lab. Frank Hernandez working in fisheries was her Sediment sampling in mentor. Weeks Bay, AL Jason James, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Marine Biology. Interned at the NOAA Office of Coast Survey. Tim Osborn working with data management of deep water imagery was his mentor. Working with data for weather forecasting models Trent Key, Louisiana State University. Environmental Engi- neering. Interned at the NOAA National Data Buoy Center. Analyzing shrimp to learn Chung-Chu Teng working in oceanography and observing systems about resistance to disease was his mentor. Breawna Kirkpatrick, Jackson State University, Meteorol- ogy. Interned at MS Department of Environmental Quality. Melanie Morris working on data management was her mentor. Reginald Powe, University of New Orleans, water pollution and remote sensing. Interned at the NOAA National Weather Service. David Reed working on hydrologic data processing and analysis and GIS mapping was
Load more

Recommended publications
  • NGI Progress Report September 2017
    NGI Annual Report Award NA110AR4320199 Reporting Period: July 1, 2016 to September 30, 2017 1 Table of Contents INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................. 5 NGI General Description and Core Activities ................................................................................................ 5 NGI Management, Mission, and Vision ........................................................................................................ 6 Executive Summary of Important Research Activities ................................................................................ 10 Distribution of NOAA Funding .................................................................................................................... 14 PROJECT REPORTING (Note that the last 2 digits of the NGI File # correspond with the amendment # to NA110AR4320199) 14-NGI2-70: Examining microplastic occurrence in gut contents of Sargassum-associate juvenile fishes ........................................................................................................................... 16 14-NGI2-71: Diagnosing Atlantic Basin Tropical Cyclone Rapid Intensification with Artificial Intelligence and Composite Techniques .................................................................................... 20 14-NGI2-74: Occurrence and Accumulation of Marine Debris on barrier Islands in the Northern Gulf of Mexico .........................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Northern Gulf Institute Response to the Deepwater Horizon Incident
    Northern Gulf Institute Response to the Deepwater Horizon Incident Gulf Coast and Atlantic States Regional Task Force of the Southern Legislative Conference (SLC) October 29, 2010 Stennis Space Center Michael Carron, PhD, Director [email protected] Northern Gulf Institute A NOAA Cooperative Institute www.NorthernGulfInstitute.org NGI – A NOAA Cooperative Institute Research Themes & Partners – Ecosystem-Based Management – Coastal Hazards and Resiliency – Climate Change & Climate Variability Effects on Regional Ecosystems – Geospatial Data, Information & Visualization in Environmental Science White water to brown water to blue water 31 State Watershed of the Northern Gulf Major Environmental Concerns NOAA Concept Northern Gulf Institute • Critical needs in northern Gulf, underserved by NOAA • Opportunity for pilot effort to closely link divisions across NOAA with regional universities • Integrated research, outreach, education programs • Strong affiliation with other federal agencies • Coordinates research and transitions results • Created October 2006 NOAA OAR CIs Complementary Academic Strengths Distribution of Academic Research Members NGI Year 4 Collaborations NGI northern gulf institute NGI Individual Grant Collaborations NGI Individual northern gulf institute Source Date Barrels per day Gallons per day BP estimate of worst Permit 162,000 6,800,000 case (with no BOP) United States Coast 23 April (after 0 0 Guard sinking) BP 24 April 1,000 42,000 Official estimates 29 April 1,000 to 5,000 42,000 to 210,000 Official estimates 27
    [Show full text]
  • Northern Gulf Institute Gulf Research Initiative Year 1 Monitoring
    Northern Gulf Institute Gulf Research Initiative Year 1 Monitoring Presentation to the National Water Quality Monitoring Council May 4, 2011 John Harding, PhD, Chief Scientist [email protected] www.NorthernGulfInstitute.org What monitoring has your organization been doing? What is your long term vision for coordinated monitoring in the Northern Gulf? Northern Gulf Institute NOAA Cooperative Institute Research Themes • Ecosystem-Based Management • Coastal Hazards and Resiliency • Climate Change & Climate Variability Effects on Regional Ecosystems • Geospatial Data, Information & Visualization in Environmental Science Research Partners BP Gulf Research Initiative • Apr 20 – Deepwater Horizon Oil Rig Explodes and Sinks • May – NGI Annual Meeting Adds Targeted Workshop to develop research questions/ monitoring needs • Jun - BP met with Gulf of Mexico universities to establish Gulf Research Initiaitive (GRI) • Jul - BP awarded NGI (via MSU) $10M to use in emergent research to address DwH science issues • Aug – NGI distributed ~$6M for 34 projects at 11 universities described at: http://NorthernGulfInstitute.org • Jan – NGI selects additional 25 projects for remaining ~4M via independent review, competitive process BP Gulf Research Initiative Participants on NGI GRI Phase I Projects • Mississippi State University • Dauphin Island Sea Lab 5 NGI • Florida State University Partners • Louisiana State University • University of Southern Mississippi } • Harte Research Institute • Jackson State University • University of Mississippi • University
    [Show full text]
  • High Performance Computing Collaboratory Capabilities Overview Mississippi State University Is an Equal Opportunity Institution
    High Performance Computing Collaboratory Capabilities Overview Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. HPC² Overview The High Performance Computing Collaboratory (HPC²) at Mississippi State University is a coalition of member centers and institutes that share a common core objective of advancing the state-of-the-art in computational science and engineering using high performance computing; a common approach to research that embraces a multi-disciplinary, team-oriented concept; and a commitment to a full partnership between education, research, and service. The mission of the HPC² is to serve the university, state, and nation through excellence in computational science and engineering. UNCLAS: Dist A. Approved for public release UNCLASSIFIED HPC² History The High Performance Computing Collaboratory at Mississippi State University originated as the National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center for Computational Field Simulation, which focused directly on the application of high performance computing for computational field simulation of fluid flow, heat and mass transfer, and structural mechanics for applications to aircraft, spacecraft, ships, automobiles, environmental, ocean, and biological flow problems. Initially funded by the NSF Engineering Research Center Program in 1990 -- one of three funded that year out of 48 proposals - it was the only one with a focus directly on high performance computing. Over the 11-year life cycle as an Engineering Research Center, the MSU center increased its annual
    [Show full text]
  • Management Plan 2017 - 2022
    Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Management Plan 2017 - 2022 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This management plan has been developed in accordance with NOAA regulations, including all provisions for public involvement. It is consistent with the congressional intent of Section 315 of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, and the provisions of the Alabama Coastal Area Management Program. The revision of the January 2007 Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (Reserve or NERR) Management Plan was made possible through the cooperative efforts of the Weeks Bay NERR staff, the Weeks Bay Advisory Committee, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, State Lands Division, Coastal Section, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Stewardship Division staff. Special recognition is given to the Dauphin Island Sea Lab for facilitating this revision under sub-award DISL-WB- 315-12-1. Financial support for this publication was provided by grants NA11NOS4200146 and NA12NOS4200155 under the Federal Coastal Zone Management Act, administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office for Coastal Management, Stewardship Division. This publication is available for downloading at https://coast.noaa.gov/nerrs/reserves/weeks-bay.html and www.weeksbayreserve.com. TABLE OF CONTENTS ABBREVIATIONS........................................................................................................... 8 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .............................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • GUILLERMO SANCHEZ Center for Fisheries Research & Development
    GUILLERMO SANCHEZ Center for Fisheries Research & Development Gulf Coast Research Laboratory University of Southern Mississippi [email protected] EDUCATION The University of Southern Mississippi, Biological Science, Ph.D., 2009. The University of Southern Mississippi, Biological Science, M.S., 1995. National University of Colombia, Biological Science, B.S., 1992. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE (A) Positions Associate Research Scientist. Center for Fisheries Research and Development (CFRD), Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (GCRL), The University of Southern Mississippi (USM), Ocean Springs, MS, 2014-Present. Postdoctoral Research Associate. Georgia Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit (GACFWRU), Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources (WSFNR), University of Georgia (UGA), Athens, GA, 2014-15. Postdoctoral Research Associate. CFRD, GCRL, USM, Ocean Springs, MS, 2009-2013. Graduate Research Assistant. CFRD, GCRL, USM, Ocean Springs, MS, 2000, 2003- 2009. Graduate Research Fellow. Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (GBNERR), Pascagoula, MS, 2001-2002. Assistant Professor. Universidad Santo Tomas, Bogota D.C., Colombia, 1996. Graduate Research Assistant. GCRL, USM, Ocean Springs, MS, 1993-1995. (B) Publications Journal Articles Sanchez-Rubio, G. and H.M. Perry. 201X. Oceanic-atmospheric modes of variability and their influence on meteorological and hydrological conditions on coastal regions along the Gulf of Mexico USA. (In preparation). Sanchez-Rubio G., H.M. Perry, J. Lyczkowski-Shultz. 201X. Climate-related meteorological and hydrological regimes and their influence on zooplankton biomass in the northern Gulf of Mexico. (In preparation). Sanchez-Rubio, G. and H.M. Perry. 2015. Climate-related hydrological regimes and their influence in Gulf menhaden (Brevoortia patronus) recruitment in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Fish. Bull. 113:391–406.
    [Show full text]
  • NOAA at Stennis.Pdf
    NOAA_stennis_1pgr.qxd:NODC_1pgr 8/8/2008 10:37 AM Page 1 NOAA_stennis_1pgr.qxd:NODC_1pgr 8/8/2008 10:37 AM Page 2 Since the early 1970’s, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has had a presence at Stennis Space Center on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Today, over 250 federal employees and contractors create products that touch all Americans by protecting life and property, as well as conserving and protecting our natural resources. National Data Buoy Center www.ndbc.noaa.gov An important component of the National Weather Service, NOAA’s National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) designs, develops, operates, and maintains a network of data collecting buoys and coastal stations. Weather forecasters need frequent, high-quality marine observations to examine conditions for forecast preparation and to verify their forecasts after they are produced. Other users rely on the observations and forecasts for commercial and recreational activities. NDBC provides hourly observations from a network of about 90 buoys and 60 Coastal Marine Automated Network (C-MAN) stations to help meet these needs. NDBC is also responsible for tsunami stations networked around the world. National Coastal Data Development Center www.ncddc.noaa.gov NOAA’s National Coastal Data Development Center (NCDDC) is integrated with the National Oceanographic Data Center and the NOAA Central Library to provide comprehensive scientific stewardship for national and international marine environmental and ecosystem data and information. NCDDC fulfills this mission by bringing together diverse coastal data from a variety of sources and creating ways for users to access data via the Internet. NCDDC’s goal is to provide increased utilization of coastal and oceanographic data which will improve understanding, management, and use of coastal areas.
    [Show full text]
  • NGI Progress Report 2017
    Annual Progress Report Northern Gulf Institute Reporting Period covering October 1, 2016 - June 30, 2017 This report was prepared under award NA16OAR4320199 to the Northern Gulf Institute by NOAA’s Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, U.S. Department of Commerce. NGI Progress Report Award NA16OAR4320199 Reporting Period: October 1, 2016 – June 30, 2017 2 Northern Gulf Institute 2017 Annual Progress Report Table of Contents INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................. 5 NGI General Description and Core Activities ................................................................... 5 NGI Management, Mission, and Vision ............................................................................ 6 Executive Summary of Important Research Activities .................................................... 11 Distribution of NOAA Funding ........................................................................................ 15 PROJECT REPORTING (Note that the last 2 digits of the NGI File # correspond with the amendment # to NA16OAR4320199) NGI File #16-NGI3-01: Further Refinements to Stepped-Frequency Microwave Radiometer Surface Wind Measurements in Hurricanes ............................................... 18 NGI File #16-NGI3-02: Determination of Movement Patterns and Reproductive Status of Adult Smalltooth Sawfish ............................................................................................... 21 NGI File #16-NGI3-03: National Weather Service
    [Show full text]
  • NOAA Northern Gulf Institute Diversity Internship Program in Summary…
    NOAA Northern Gulf Institute Diversity Internship Program In summary… 2008-2014: 64 students 2008-2014: 24 males, 40 females 2008-2014: 35 undergraduates 23 Masters 6 PhD candidates Ethnic diversity… Black / African American Asian Hispanic White American Indian 2008 6 2009 4 1 5 2010 6 1 1 2 3 2011 1 4 1 2 1 2012 3 7 2013 2 3 3 2014 1 4 2 1 TOTAL 23 19 2 10 10 Diversity in internship locations 1 Mississippi State University (Geosystems Research Institute, Agricultural Economics, Engineering) (2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014) 2 University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014) 3 Jackson State University (2008) 4 Alcorn State University, MS (2013, 2014) 5 National Data Buoy Center, Stennis Space Center, MS (2010) 6 National Marine Fisheries Service - Southeast Fisheries Science Center, MS (2009, 2010, 2011, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014) 7 Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (2009, 2010) 8 Dauphin Island Sea Lab, AL (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014) 9 Louisiana State University (2009, 2010) 10 Louisiana Sea Grant (2009) 11 NOAA Office of Coast Survey, LA (2010, 2012) 12 National Weather Service -Lower Mississippi River Forecast Center, LA (2011, 2012) 13 Florida State University - Coastal & Marine Laboratory (2009, 2010) 14 Harte Research Institute, TX (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013) 15 Valdosta State University, GA (2013, 2014) 16 National Center for Coastal Ocean Science - Center for Coastal Environmental Health & Biomolecular Research, SC (2010) 17 NOAA Central Library, MD (2011) 18 University of West Florida (2014) 1 Jackson State University, MS (2008, 2010) 2 Mississippi State University (2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014) 3 University of Southern Mississippi (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013) Diversity 4 University of Mississippi (2010) 5 University of South Alabama (2009, 2012, 2013) 6 Tuskegee University (2012) in home 7 Troy University (2011) 8 Auburn University (2010) 9 Texas A&M Univ.
    [Show full text]
  • Winter 2009 Issue
    The Portal Official Newsletter of the Northern Gulf Institute Winter 2009 NGI “OUTSTANDING” AT FIVE-YEAR PROGRAM REVIEW Scientists conduct rigorous evaluation www.NorthernGulfInstitute.org Efforts to promote regional science collaborations that ad- dress specific problems of importance to NOAA are likely to become more common... Many elements of the NGI serve as a role model for these developments. The review panel unanimously agrees that the NGI should be continued, and we rank NGI as “outstanding” based on guide- lines provided by NOAA OAR CI. -- Science Review Panel In early October 2009, a distinguished panel of scientists operating under the auspices of the NOAA Science Advisory Board conducted an external review of NGI research, education, and outreach pro- grams. Areas highlighted as particularly successful include strong col- laborations with a breadth of research activities, management of the Steve Lohrenz, NGI Fellow, discusses research with Bonnie Ponwith, review panel scientist proposal process that promotes quality competition, and education and outreach efforts that build on existing programs with proven records of success. The panel’s recommendations centered on growth and planning for NGI’s future: brand and promote the visibil- ity of NGI, create more multi-university collaborations, use a ten- year period for strategic thinking, seek larger-scale funding, and de- velop metrics that demonstrate success. (Continued on page 2) To submit info or ideas for upcoming newsletters, send an email to: [email protected]. Suzanne Shean with NGI explains the GOMA Environmental Education website to Julien Lartigue, NOAA NGI Science Coordinator David Shaw and Mike Carron welcome attendees at the NGI 5-Year Review at MSU panel.
    [Show full text]
  • An Overview of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill on April 20, 2010 the Deepwater Horizon Oil Rig Exploded Off the Coast of Louisiana
    Discovery Porthole Sharing Research with Educators and the Public An Overview of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill On April 20, 2010 the Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded off the coast of Louisiana. The resulting oil spill lasted 87 days and created the largest accidental release of oil the world had ever seen. While much of the northern Gulf of Mexico was spared, receiving little to no oil, other areas were heavily impacted. Several different methods were used to contain and clean up the oil, with varied success. Efforts to remove oil from the water and beaches are onging where necessary. Scientists continue to monitor coastal habitats to document and understand both the short- and long-term effects. From April 20th until the well was finally capped on July 15th, an estimated 4.9 million barrels (200 million gallons) of Louisiana sweet crude oil leaked into the Gulf of Mexico. Approximately 34 million gallons (17%) was recovered directly from the well head. In an effort to reduce the impact of the remaining oil, the chemical dispersant Corexit was applied to the oil. Close to 1 million gallons of Corexit was used near the well head at a depth of 5,000 ft. and another million was sprayed at the surface. The dispersant broke up the oil into small droplets which was believed to make it easier for oil-eating microbes to Satellite image of the Gulf of Mexico showing the spreading oil sheen May 24, 2010. (Photo/NASA) break down the oil further. Large skimming vessels were used to suck up oily water from the surface of the water resulting in the collection of 3% of the total oil volume.
    [Show full text]
  • Northern Gulf Institute Gulf Research Initiative Year 1 Overview
    Northern Gulf Institute Gulf Research Initiative Year 1 Overview Presentation to: Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative Fall Meeting 19 October 2011 John Harding, Ph.D., Chief Scientist [email protected] Robert Moorhead, Ph.D., NGI Director [email protected] www.NorthernGulfInstitute.org Northern Gulf Institute NOAA Cooperative Institute Research Themes • Ecosystem-Based Management • Coastal Hazards and Resiliency • Climate Change & Climate Variability Effects on Regional Ecosystems • Geospatial Data, Information & Visualization in Environmental Science Research Partners Northern Gulf Institute Observations & Long term vision for Studies coordinated understanding (Observe & Experiment) in the Northern Gulf Synthesis Management (Understand (Apply) Whole) HYPOTHESIS: Natural and anthropogenic perturbations significantly impact the Northern Gulf of Mexico (NGoM) ecosystem structure, function, and services” www.NorthernGulfInstitute.org BP Gulf Research Initiative • Apr 20 – Deepwater Horizon Oil Rig Explodes and Sinks • May – NGI Annual Meeting Adds Targeted Workshop to develop research questions/ monitoring needs • Jun - BP met with Gulf of Mexico universities to establish Gulf Research Initiative (GRI) • Jul - BP awarded NGI (via MSU) $10M to use in emergent research to address DwH science issues • Aug – Phase 1: NGI distributed ~$6M for 34 projects at 9 universities in 5 states • Jan – Phase 2: NGI selects additional 25 projects for remaining ~4M via independent review, competitive process http://NorthernGulfInstitute.org BP Gulf
    [Show full text]