Understanding the Processes that Maintain the Oxygen Levels in the Deep Gulf of Mexico: Synthesis Report

Personal Author: Jochens AE; Bender LC; DiMarco SF; Morse JW; Kennicutt MC; Howard MK; Nowlin WD

Publication Title: Understanding the Processes that Maintain the Oxygen Levels in the Deep Gulf of Mexico: Synthesis Report

Subject: Physical Oceanography
Water Quality
Dissolved Oxygen; Gulf of Mexico

CSE Reference: Jochens AE, Bender LC, DiMarco SF, Morse JW, Kennicutt MC, Howard MK, Nowlin WD (Texas A&M University, College Station, TX). 2005. Understanding the processes that maintain the oxygen levels in the deep Gulf of Mexico: synthesis report. New Orleans (LA): US Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service. 6 p. Obligation No.: 1435-01-02-CT-85080. Report No.: OCS Study MMS 2005-032. URL: https://espis.boem.gov/Technical%20Summaries/2972.pdf

Abstract: With the increase of oil and gas activities in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico, the Minerals Management Service (MMS), Gulf of Mexico Outer Continental Shelf Region, seeks a greater understanding of the environment in Gulf waters deeper than 400 m to aid in making decisions about the protection of the marine environment. Because discharges of oil or gas can consume oxygen during their degradation, this study considers what is known about the distribution of oxygen and processes that control it, what the information gaps might be, and how those gaps might be filled. This summary presents the main results of the Dissolved Oxygen Study.The objective of this study is to understand the types and rates of processes occurring in the deep Gulf of Mexico that affect the levels of oxygen in the deepwater and the balance that maintains this level.