Graph of the Day: Projected Oil Spill Path to 9 May 2010
Weather today continued to allow both NOAA overflights and dispersant operations. Overflight observation flights were concentrated around the Chandeleur Islands. During these overflights, trained observers recorded locations of oil, affected wildlife, and other relevant observations. Overflights will continue tomorrow with a goal to observe the northern and eastern boundaries of the slick. Two in-situ burns also occurred today, and up to 1,000 gallons of oil were burned. The latest trajectory forecast shows a potential for westward movement of the oil. Twice daily, NOAA oceanographers continue to release updated trajectory maps showing the predicted trajectory of the oil slick. Drifter buoys have been placed near areas of the slick to provide tracking data that will be used to ground truth NOAA’s predicted trajectories. The buoys transmit location information and can be used by the NOAA modeling team to better understand how currents and winds are moving the slick and accompanying buoys. Technical specialists and other personnel from many agencies and organizations are assisting NOAA in providing scientific support for the spill response. NASA has volunteered use of a reconnaissance aircraft for NOAA’s use in conducting overflights of the affected areas. NOAA efforts have included: modeling the trajectory and extent of the oil, getting pre-impact samples surveys and baseline measurements, planning for open water and shoreline remediation, supporting the Unified Command as it analyzes new techniques for handling the spill, and starting Natural Resource Damage Assessments (NRDA). …
