Oil from natural seepage is a background source of hydrocarbon contamination in the Gulf of Mexico. However, this input does not comprise a dosage comparable to the discharge from the Deepwater Horizon blowout either in magnitude or geographic distribution. Based on satellite compilations, the DWH discharge was 6 to 7 orders of magnitude more concentrated over time than the natural seeps. Moreover,, natural seepage is generally less prolific in the region of the Gulf where the discharge occurred. Dividing the Gulf of Mexico into four quadrates along 90oW and 25oN, the NE quadrate, where the DWH discharge occurred, recieved on average 7.0% of the total natural seepage (5.24 X 102 km2); the NW quadrate recieved on average 68.0% of this total (5.30 X 102 km2). These differences should be weighed when evaluating the relative impact of natural and unnatural oil in a large marine ecosystem.

Comparison of natural and unnatural oil sources in the surface waters of the Gulf of Mexico detected by satellite remote sensing

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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