Sedimentation Pulse in the NE Gulf of Mexico following the 2010 DWH Blowout

摘要: The objective of this study was to investigate the impacts Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil discharge at seafloor as recorded in bottom sediments DeSoto Canyon region northeastern Gulf Mexico. Through a close coupling sedimentological, geochemical, and biological approaches, multiple independent lines evidence from 11 sites sampled November/December 2010 revealed that upper ~1 cm depth interval is distinct underlying results indicate particles originated sea surface. Consistent dissimilarities grain size over surficial correspond excess 234Th depths, which indicates lack vertical mixing (bioturbation), suggesting entire layer deposited within 4–5 month period. Further, time series four deep-sea up three additional times following two years accumulation rates, inventories decreased rapidly, few several months after initial coring. interpretation rapid sedimentation pulse corroborated by stratification solid phase Mn, linked diagenesis redox change, dramatic decrease benthic formanifera density sediments. Results are consistent with brief depositional also reported previous studies sediments, marine snow formation surface waters closer wellhead during summer fall 2010. Although sediment input Mississippi River advective transport may influence on region, we conclude based multidisciplinary late product likely DWH discharge.