Gulf oil spill enters loop current

Posted at 5:19 PM on May 19, 2010 by Paul Huttner
Filed under: Gulf oil spill

Satellite images and computer models indicate that the Gulf of Mexico oil spill has entered the Gulf Loop Current.

This is significant because as the loop current taps into the oil slick area, oil will move more quickly out of the Gulf and toward the Florida Keys and potentially up the East Coast of the United States.

May 17th NASA MODIS image shows loop current tapping oil slick in the Gulf.

NASA MODIS image clearly shows plume of oil stretching southeast from main oil spill area.

Forecast models project that some of the oil slick could reach the Florida Keys within the next 5 to 10 days.

Forecast models show oil on the move in the Gulf. Courtesy: Ocean Circulation Group at the University of South Florida's College of Marine Science

PH

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