Satellite Source: MODIS Aqua
Mode: Multispectral
Resolution: 250 meter
Image Date & Time: 05-10-2018 1849 UTC

Confidence: Medium-High
Issue Date: 05-11-2018

Region: Gulf of Mexico
Location: 28°56'16" N, 88°58'14" W
Coverage Area: 304.30 km^2

Remarks:
Possible oil was observed in satellite imagery. This anomaly is unconfirmed 
as oil. The curvilinear anomaly is believed to originate from the destroyed 
Taylor platform location. It measured approx. 48.5 nm long with an average 
width of 0.6 nm. The orientation of the anomaly does not appear that it 
was influenced by 5 kt winds from the SE at the time of the image. Rather,
 its shape may have been influenced by the convergence zone produced by 
the Mississippi River's flow into the Gulf in that area.

Uncertainties:
The areal extent is only an approximation due to the coarse satellite imagery.
 Also, due to the lack of sunglint to illuminate the anomaly to produce 
a silvery/white shimmer commonly produced by oil, our confidence that 
the anomaly was oil was not higher than Medium-High, even though it appeared 
to be connected to a repeat leak source.


Analyst: Velasco


For further information on oil spill response and assessment please visit:
https://response.restoration.noaa.gov/oil-and-chemical-spills/oil-spills