Gulf of Mexico (GoM) Bottom Sediments and Depositional Processes: A Baseline for Future Oil Spills

Gregg R. Brooks, Rebekka A. Larson, Patrick Schwing, Arne R. Diercks, Maickel Armenteros, Misael Diaz-Asencio, Joan-Albert Sanchez-Cabeza, Ana C. Ruiz-Fernandez, Juan Carlos Herguera, Libia H. Pérez-Bernal, David Hollander

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

The deposition/accumulation of oil on the seafloor is heavily influenced by sediment/texture/composition and sedimentary processes/accumulation rates. The objective of this chapter is to provide a baseline of Gulf of Mexico sediment types and transport/depositional processes to help guide managers where oiled sediments may be expected to be deposited and potentially accumulate on the seafloor in the event of a future oil spill. Based solely on sediments/processes/accumulation rates, regions most vulnerable to oil deposition/accumulation include the deep eastern basin, followed by the western/southwestern basin, and north and west continental margins. The least vulnerable regions include the northwest Cuban shelf and the carbonate-dominated west Florida shelf and Campeche Bank. This is intended to be used as a general, “first cut” tool and does not consider local variations in sediments/processes.

Original languageAmerican English
Title of host publicationScenarios and Responses to Future Deep Oil Spills Fighting the Next War
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 1 2019

Disciplines

  • Life Sciences
  • Marine Biology

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