Study Reveals Seafloor Contamination In Deepwater Horizon's Aftermath
Scientists studying the Gulf of Mexico in the aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig catastrophe have found evidence that crude oil from the subsequent spill remains spread across many square miles of seafloor. Much of the disastrous oil pollution on the surface and in the water column appears to have been consumed by ocean bacteria in the months since the breached well was sealed. The situation appears to be far different on the seafloor, however.
As noted in online coverage of the environmental issues created by the Deepwater Horizon's destruction, Dr. Vernon Asper, professor of marine science at the University of Southern Mississippi, and his colleagues have analyzed seafloor core samples at various distances from the Macondo well. The samples were retrieved by Dr. Smantha Joye, professor of marine sciences at the University of Georgia.
Core samples taken within approximately 50 miles of the well revealed a stratified composition, with old seafloor mud at the bottom, a middle layer presumed to be oil, and then a two-inch thick layer of a gooey substance on top that Dr. Asburn calls "slime snot." Core samples taken at greater distances from the well revealed some oil pollution, while those taken farthest from the well brought up only unpolluted mud.
The concern is that the "goo" spread around the former well will suffocate the seafloor flora and fauna. This, in turn, would affect the overall food chain, with a potentially significant impact on the Gulf ecosystem. Dr. Asper noted in the online coverage that the destructive effects of the mat of goo covering the seafloor could include the starvation of deep-diving creatures, such as sperm whales, that feed on organisms which normally reside in the seafloor environs.
Dr. Joye published photos and descriptions of representative core samples in September, shortly after the samples were taken.
Study of the never-before-seen seafloor goo continues in an attempt to discern its definite source, its fate, and its effects on the marine environment.
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