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Gulf Oil Slick Approaching Loop Current

This pair of sea surface temperature images shows how the warm waters of the Loop Current connect the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean and the dynamic northern margin of the current on May 18. On May 18, NOAA reported that oil was very close to, and perhaps already entrained in, the Loop Current.


NASA Earth Observatory image created by Jesse Allen, using data obtained from the Goddard Level 1 and Atmospheric Archive and Distribution System (LAADS) and Ocean Color Web. Caption by Rebecca Lindsey.

Published May 20, 2010
Data acquired May 18, 2010

Sources:
Aqua > MODIS
Terra > MODIS