MMS ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES PROGRAM:  ONGOING STUDIES

MMS OCS Region:

Gulf of Mexico

Title:

Direct Observations of Ocean Currents Over the Western Slope in the Gulf of Mexico (GM-03-01b)

Total Cost:  $1,731,000

Period of Performance:  FY 2005-2010

Conducting Organization:

CICESE

MMS Contact:

Dr. Alexis Lugo-Fernández

Description:

Background:  Leasing in the western Gulf of Mexico extends to deepwater near the US-Mexico border in water depths exceeding 2,000 m.  Unfortunately, this is an area with limited oceanographic and current data.  The western Gulf including waters in Mexican territory is the boundary where Loop Current rings and eddies strongly interact with the seafloor and dissipate.  Also, significant amounts of drifting material in the Gulf lands in this region.  In order for MMS to fulfill its regulatory function proactively, more current data in this area is definitely desirable.  This proposed study would collect current and hydrographic measurements in Mexican waters of the western Gulf that will allow identification of processes present in the region and help design future oceanographic studies.  Successful completion of this study will also ensure that our understanding of the deep western Gulf is ahead of future exploration and development trends.

Objectives:  The objectives of this study are:

·                    to conduct a survey of deepwater currents in the western Gulf of Mexico over Mexican waters using moorings to increase our limited database in this region;

·                    to improve our understanding of the regional oceanography to help design future studies, assist calculation of horizontal and vertical trajectories of release oil and its dispersion;

·                    provide an oceanographic framework to help with interpretation of biological observations; and provide current data that complements the database for our ongoing study Survey of Deepwater Currents in the Northwestern Gulf of Mexico (Study No. 71562).

Methods:  Deploy two mooring lines (surface to bottom) across the western slope in Mexican territory at selected depths.  Hydrographic data will also be collected during the deployment, servicing, and recovery cruises.

Products:  An expanded current and hydrographic database in the western Gulf of Mexico, identification of relevant processes and recommendation for future oceanographic studies in this region.

Importance to MMS:  This study will fill and important data gap with huge implications for physical and biological understanding of the deep Gulf.  An important result of this study is the availability of data to Industry for design of structures and operations in this region.

Current Status:  MMS completed reviewing the proof report and is awaiting the final submission from the contractor.

Final Report Due:

February 2010

Publications:

None

Affiliated WWW Sites:

None

Revised date:

February 2010

ESPIS

ESPIS - All completed ESP Studies:
Full Text, Online, Right Now!
Environmental Studies Program Information System