Oil Spill Animation

This is a simple animation using 6 date/perimeter layers displaying the spread of oil from the Deepwater Horizon explosion and subsequent spill in mid April 2010. The dates are from 4/29/2010 to 5/26/2010 and the video gives a rough estimation of how the Gulf of Mexico currents move the oil around. If video does not play go to link:

http://students.uwf.edu/jwm39/Week4_Animation_JerryMeyer1.avi

Participation Summary

GIS has many roles in a disaster and before a disaster event occurs. By having information on "at risk" populations and areas of potential danger from disaster a GIS can offer solutions such as cleanup and governmental aid areas after the disaster happens and possible steps to take to lessen the impact of a disaster before the event happens. Also, a GIS could as an example map out low lying areas in danger of flood and suggest areas that should not be built on because of the flood risk. Thus reducing the impact after the disaster.
In the current Gulf of Mexico oil spill disaster GIS is used to map out trends in oil dispersion throughout the gulf from the blowout. Also, maps of birds and fish at risk are being created to predict wildlife kill areas and also areas that are off limits for fishing. GIS is also being used to map out "at risk" coasts so that equipment can be staged in areas that are both sensitive to oil and more at risk from oil contamination.
One interesting thing is that unlike a hurricane or earthquake this disaster impacts humans far less initially. It is happening in the ocean and since humans do not live there the impact will be felt secondary to the wildlife kills and oil price increases. Many parts of the country will feel no impact from this event. This could be one reason why BP is trying to minimize the impacts of the event other than the obvious financial culpability that they are incurring.