This research quantifies the rate and volume of oil and gas released from two natural seep sites in the Gulf of Mexico: lease blocks GC600 (1200 m depth) and MC118 (850 m depth). Our objectives were to determine variability in release rates and bubble size at five individual vents and to investigate the effects of tidal fluctuations on bubble release. Observations with autonomous video cameras captured the formation of individual bubbles as they were released through partially exposed deposits of gas hydrate. Observations and image processing techniques determined bubble type (oily, gaseous, and mixed: oily and gaseous), size distribution, release rate, and temporal variations (observation intervals ranged from 3 h to 26 d). A semi-automatic bubble counting algorithm was developed to analyze bubble count and release rates from video data. This method is suitable for discrete vents with small bubble streams commonly seen at seeps and is adaptable to multiple in situ setups. Two vents at GC600 (Birthday Candles 1 and Birthday Candles 2) were analyzed. They released oily bubbles with an average diameter of 5.0 mm at a rate of 4.7 bubbles s-1 , and 1.3 bubbles s-1 , respectively. Approximately 1 km away, within the GC600 seep site, two more vents (Mega Plume 1 and Mega Plume 2) were analyzed. These vents released a mixture of oily and gaseous bubbles with an average diameter of 3.9 mm at a rate of 49 bubbles s-1 , and 81 bubbles s-1 , respectively. The fifth vent at MC118 (Rudyville) released gaseous bubbles with an average diameter of 3.0 mm at a rate of 127 bubbles s-1. Pressure records at Mega Plume and Rudyville showed a diurnal tidal cycle (24.5h). Rudyville was the only vent that demonstrated any positive correlation (ρ=0.60) to the 24.5h diurnal tidal cycle. However, these observations were not conclusive regarding tidal effects on bubble release.

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We report chemical characterization of natural oil seeps from the Gulf of Mexico by Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS) and Gas Chromatography/Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometry (GC/APCI-MS), to highlight how FT-ICR MS can also be employed as a means to determine petroleum connectivity, in addition to traditional GC/MS techniques. The source of petroleum is the Green Canyon (GC) 600 lease block in the Gulf of Mexico. Within GC600, two natural oil seepage zones, Mega Plume and Birthday Candles, continuously release hydrocarbons and develop persistent oil slicks at the sea surface above them. We chemically trace the petroleum from the surface oil slicks to the Mega Plume seep itself, and further to a petroleum reservoir 5 km away in lease block GC645 (Holstein Reservoir). We establish the connectivity between oil samples and confirm a common geological origin for the oil slicks, oil seep, and reservoir oil. The ratios of seven common petroleum biomarkers detected by GC/APCI-MS display clear similarity between the GC600 and GC645 samples, as well as a distinct difference from another reservoir oil collected ∼300 km away (Macondo crude oil from MC252 lease block). FT-ICR MS and principal component analysis (PCA) demonstrate further similarities between the GC600 and GC645 samples that distinctly differ from MC252. A common geographical origin is postulated for the GC600/GC645 samples, with petroleum migrating from the GC645 reservoir to the oil seeps found in GC600 and up through the water column to the sea surface as an oil slick.

<p>In order to successfully set the EU on the path to reach climate neutrality by 2050, it is essential to have communities on board and willing to make changes to act for a sustainable future. However, without courses focused on climate change on the core curriculum of most schools in Europe, many adults are under informed about the effects of climate change, and what can be done on an individual level to reach these goals. The impact of warming oceans are multifold and affect not only communities that directly boarder the sea, but all neighboring nations as well. The Deep Network project addresses the need for adults to become more aware of the problems regarding climate change and the ocean by curating an online ocean-education information hub. To accomplish this, a network will be built working in close partnership with researchers, ocean activists, industries, and professional adult educators to develop high quality, accessible educational material that covers a range of topics related to how human activities impact the ocean. Some of the topics covered in the Deep Network project include ocean pollution, rising sea levels, ocean warming/acidification, habitat destruction, fisheries, and tourism. Additionally, to engage communities to action and to maintain a sustained interest in marine science and conservation, “inspiring practices” will be promoted for each topic. These are examples of realistic actions or lifestyle changes that one can directly implement into one’s own life. Anthropogenic influences on the oceans directly affect us all in varying ways. The goal of The Deep Network project is to create a strong line of accessible communication, trust, and transparency between ocean research and the communities, to ensure that the responsibility of a sustainable future falls not on the scientists, activists, and industry partners alone. A well-informed community has the potential to make a difference in legislation and gives people the opportunity to make educated decisions to act for a sustainable future.</p>