In this module, we will discuss the following concepts:
Working with remotely sensed imagery of the ocean.
Creating a video from an image time series.
Time Series Analysis in GEE.
Adding basic elements to the graphical user interface.
The Deepwater Horizon oil spill is considered to be the largest accidental marine oil spill ever. The well released over 4.9 million barrels of oil of which 4.1 million barrels went into the Gulf of Mexico between April 20th and July 15th of 2010. Efforts were taken to reduce the impact of the spill by burning or skimming the oil on the ocean’s surface and by releasing over 1.84 million gallons of the chemical dispersant (Corexit) on the surface of the ocean and directly into the stream of oil being emitted at the well some 5,000 feet beneath the ocean surface. Even with these efforts, the oil spill has significantly affected the Gulf’s coastal and marine ecosystems. While extensive efforts were taken to evaluate the effects of the oil in these ecosystems, the massive area effected by the spill made it difficult. In this module we are going to conduct our own exploration of the ecological impact of this spill by monitoring the trend in algal concentration over time within an area highly impacted by the spill. As algae are the primary producers in marine ecosystems, monitoring how their populations were affected by this change may help us better understand the overall effect of the oil on the state of the affected ecosystems.