The Oil Below The Surface

Scientists are working to get information on the extent of oil below the surface of the Gulf waters. This is the invisible oil disaster, not seen on the surface.

Here's the rub, in the same way that there is very little knowledge on how to contain a leak that is 5,000 feet below sea level, there is very little knowledge on how to work with an oil mass that is pooling in the water at similar deep levels.

Now one would assume that if you were going to routinely do drilling at these deep levels, that some type of contingency plans for emergencies would be in place. Well in this modern time of 2010, these people are flying by the seat of their pants, and its government approved. It is an utter and absolute disgrace.

McClatchy: NOAA confirms oil floating beneath Gulf's surface

...oil is floating as deep as 3,300 feet below the surface of the Gulf of Mexico in layers that may pose unprecedented challenges to efforts to clean up...


"is not in a form that's easily removed..."


"When you interfere with the natural processes in a system, when you alter the carbon cycle and the oxygen cycle, it's very likely that impacts will cascade up the food web to the top predators. The primary producers, the base of the food web in the ocean is going to be altered by this spill. There's no doubt about that."