how deep is the gulf of mexico in miles how deep is the gulf of mexico in miles

The Gulf of Mexico is known for beautiful white-sand beaches and exciting offshore fishing. Fishing Regulations and Seasonal Closures - Gulf of Mexico Go the Distance. Hurricanes are common along the Gulf Coast, such as Katrina in 2005, Ike in 2008, Harvey in 2016, and Michael in 2018. 6. Covering an area of 1,507,639 km2, the Gulf of Mexico is a marginal sea of the Atlantic Ocean and the worlds largest gulf. The biota of the Gulf includes different chemosynthetic and non-chemosynthetic organisms ranging from microorganisms like benthos, meiofauna to other macro-organisms like crabs, sea pens, crinoids, and other marine fauna. The wetlands along the Gulf of Mexico cover around 5 million acres (2.02 million hectares). The Sigsbee Deep, 200 miles southeast of Brownsville, Texas, is estimated to be between 12,300 to 14,383 feet. Your personal data will be governed by Mapsofworld, When Did Alaska Become Part of the United States. . Monster Mahi Mahi, Grouper, Snapper, Cobia, and . The first . The Gulf of Mexico is a large oval-shaped oceanic basin, that is located on the southeastern coast of North America and is bounded by the US states of Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Alabama, and Florida to the north, northeast and northwest; by the Mexican states of Campeche, Quintana Roo, Tabasco, Tamaulipas, Veracruz and Yucatan to the south and southwest; and by the island of Cuba to the southeast. How did this mountain lion reach an uninhabited island? Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. The gulfs peculiar history gave rise to a landscape riddled with domes, pockmarks, canyons, faults, and channels all revealed in more detail than ever before by a new 1.4 billion-pixel map. This is the text I received from Captain Steve Papen after yet another cancelled trip due to unfavorable conditions. Although Native Americans living in the region used the Gulf of Mexico for centuries as a source of food and building materials, the first European to explore the Gulf was Italian Amerigo Vespucci in 1497. The Gulf of Mexico is a highly biodiverse area and features many coastal wetlands and mangrove forests. There is a thriving range of wildlife living in the Gulf of Mexico and along its coastlines. The Gulf Oil Spill - Crime Museum Unfortunately, oil spills have caused irreparable damage while overfishing, pollution, and more threaten this critical resource. 7. The Gulf of Mexico The graphic above shows the varying depths of the Gulf, which can range to over 12,000 feet deep (the darker the blue the deeper the water). Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill Milestones | Smithsonian Ocean at about 7,000-8,000 feet deep in the Gulf of Mexico. They are often connected to the ocean by narrow water passages but that is not always observed in all geographical areas. The US States that border the Gulf of Mexico are famous for their beautiful beaches. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. Scientists warn that the "dead zone" wreaking havoc on marine life in the Gulf of Mexico will cover almost 9,000 square miles this summer. Looking for more fun facts? The Gulf Stream is one of the most powerful and warm ocean currents that flow from the Gulf of Mexico towards the northern Atlantic Ocean. A National Geographic team has made the first ascent of the remote Mount Michael, looking for a lava lake in the volcanos crater. The economics of the area as well as the environment thus are sensitive to pollution. hbspt.cta.load(360031, '4efd5fbd-40d7-4b12-8674-6c4f312edd05', {}); Have any questions about this article or other topics? National Geospatial Intelligence Agency's Undersea Features History. In Florida, for example, Florida state waters are from shore to 9 nautical miles on the Gulf . The exploration companies use 3-D seismic imaging to map areas of the Gulf they are interested in. The lake gets its foreboding name because of how salty the water is and how most things dont survive it. A new high-resolution map of the floor of the Gulf of Mexico was released to the public. The second had been intended to serve as a backup and was not completed. Yes! 10. Louisiana is an especially important stop along their journey between Latin America and the breeding grounds in North America with nearly 2.5 million landing each day to rest. See how other students and parents are navigating high school, college, and the college admissions process. The entire basin is about 600,000 square miles (1.5 million sq km). Due to the warm waters, moist air, and strong current of the Gulf Steam when storms originating in the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean move west and collide it creates the perfect conditions for hurricanes to form. Despite what we know, there is much to be discovered in the depths of the Sigsbee Deep as there has been little exploration since its discovery. Gulf of Mexico | gulf, North America | Britannica Macondo Blowout and Explosion | CSB Get the latest articles and test prep tips! The Gulf of Mexico is a part of the Atlantic Ocean and is considered an ocean basin and marginal sea. The Gulf of Mexico is one of the most important offshore petroleum . Some of the important fishes include Albacore tuna, Red snapper, greater amberjack, tarpon, grouper, Atlantic spadefish, king mackerel, Gulf flounder, bluefish, etc. Additionally, the storm surge for each Category increases with severity, a Category 1 is 4 5 feet, while a Category 5 is 19 feet or more! Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. $3,300,000 USD: 140 feet on the Gulf! An underwater brine pool off the coast of New Orleans, known as the Hot Tub of Despair, was found in the Gulf of Mexico in 2014. Thus, in 1559, Tristn de Luna y Arellano landed at Pensacola Bay and established a settlement. Climate change that's warming waters further is also making them larger, as in increased intensity and amount of water. An important feature of the Gulf of Mexico is the Gulf Stream, which is a warm Atlantic current that begins in the region and flows north into the Atlantic Ocean. Additional explorers, such as Francisco Hernndez de Crdoba Pnfilo de Narvez later explored the area, often capturing and enslaving local people as they did so. Although BP attempted to activate the rigs blowout preventer (BOP), a fail-safe mechanism designed to close the channel through which oil was drawn, the device malfunctioned. All major bodies of saltwater, including the oceans, are ocean basins. The Gulf is about 1, 000 miles wide, as much as 14, 000 feet deep, and receives runoff from vast areas of the continent. The Gulf Stream, a warm Atlantic current, originates in the Gulf of Mexico and influences the climate of both the east coast of the United States and the west coast of Europe. See the Gulf of Mexico's Seafloor Like Never Before With This 1.4 The Gulf of Mexico is exploited for oil and hence several offshore oil drilling rigs have been drilled for exploration and mining in the Bay of Campeche and the western Gulf region. Some 1,680 miles of the US coastline and 1,743 miles of the Mexican coastline borders the Gulf of Mexico. Oceans Are Losing Oxygenand Becoming More Hostile to Life - Science Gulf of Mexico Mission: 'Ocean Blue Holes Are Not Created Equal' The cited reference discusses differences in United States and IHO committee views and variations between names recommended by the Advisory Committee on Undersea Features (ACUF) of the U. S. BGN and the GEBCO committee. Ask below and we'll reply! The Alabama Gulf Coast boasts the largest artificial reef program in the nation, with 1,136 square miles of artificial reefs located at the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico. You can change between miles or km at any time. The basin is roughly circular in shape and approximately 810 nautical miles (1,500 km) wide. Briney, Amanda. Because the Gulf of Mexico borders a portion of Mexico, Cuba, and five states Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas, it is divided into seven regions based on specific geological and geographical factors. http://articles.latimes.com/2010/apr/23/nation/la-na-oil-rig-20100423, http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/29/us/29spill.html, http://www.epa.gov/gmpo/about/facts.html#resources, M.A., Geography, California State University - East Bay, B.A., English and Geography, California State University - Sacramento, Fausset, Richard. The first European exploration of the Gulf of Mexico occurred in 1497 when Amerigo Vespucci sailed along Central America and entered the Atlantic Ocean through the Gulf of Mexico and the Straits of Florida (the strip of water between present-day Florida and Cuba). Floridas coral reefs attract visitors from around the world and generate more than $17 billion in tourism annually. Click to place marker 2. Today, the most serious pollution threats to the Gulf of Mexico come from oil drilling and agricultural runoff. They start at the state waterline (nine nautical miles out) and go all the way to the edge of the continental shelf, 100 miles offshore. Should You Stay in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach? One of Earth's loneliest volcanoes holds an extraordinary secret. SANTA CRUZ, Calif. For the first time, scientists have been able to validate the age of deep-sea black corals in the Gulf of Mexico. These plants provide a safe habitat for numerous fishes, planktons, bivalves, shrimps, manatees, and other marine animals. Clear Map How To Use Zoom and drag the map to find the location of marker 1 Click to place marker 1. A few hundred years ago, our beaches were home to pirates who hid in Perdido Pass and Perdido Bay while waiting to raid ships in the Gulf. Its a diverse ecosystem with a long and interesting history. Once released by the fracture of the core, the natural gas traveled up the Deepwater rigs riser to the platform, where it ignited, killing 11 workers and injuring 17. This has led to the creation of dead zones in the Gulf Region, which runs east-west for over 22,730 km2 along the coasts of Louisiana and Texas. (2021, September 8). The marine chart shows depth and hydrology of Gulf Of Mexico on the map, which is located in the Veracruz, Texas, Florida state (La Perla, Fayette, Clay). There are also several ships sunk in deep water off the mouth of the Mississippi River by German U-boats during World War II, as well as the only German U-boat sunk in the Northern Gulf by Allied forces, the U-166. Do You Know the Different Regions of the US? (April 23, 2010). Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). The Gulf of Mexico is connected to the Caribbean Sea via the Yucatn Channel (between Cuba and Mexico); and with the Atlantic Ocean through the Straits of Florida (between Cuba and US). Public domain image from the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration Padre Island has its origins in the Gulf of Mexico. Fisheries are also extremely productive in the Gulf of Mexico, and many Gulf Coast states have economies centered on fishing in the area. The strength and wind speed of a hurricane vary from a Category 1, which is 74-95 mph, to Category 5, which has wind speeds over 157 mph. 617,800 mi Gulf of Mexico/Area. The marine flora in the Gulf of Mexico includes seagrasses, mangroves, marine algae, and marsh grasses. Measuring from Florida to the Yucatan, the coastline of the Gulf measures 3,540 miles long and boasts some of the worlds best beaches. TSHA | Gulf of Mexico Installation begins for FGCU's new artificial reef in Gulf of Mexico Thankfully close to 80% of hurricanes formed lose strength and dissipate before reaching land. BE HONEST!! SAT is a registered trademark of the College Entrance Examination BoardTM. . . This region consists of about 1,394 miles (2,243 km) of coastline. She holds a Certificate of Advanced Study in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) from California State University. It is the center of the United States oil refining and petrochemical industry and hence more than 18% of the US oil production is derived from the offshore wells in the Gulf of Mexico. 'Lumping' Across The Gulf Of Mexico For Big Fish - Guide Outdoors The Gulf of Mexico is an ocean basin located close to the southeastern United States. Fishing is productive in the Gulf because of the connection with tidal streams and local estuaries. Florida and Eastern Gulf of Mexico Grids. Though the leak had slowed, it was estimated by a government-commissioned panel of scientists that 4,900,000 barrels of oil had already leaked into the gulf. It comprises a volume of around 2,500 quadrillions (a real number!) Because salt also flows easily, it can deform and get squeezed, which results in blobs of salt pushing up into the layers above, making domes and ridges and faults. The Jacuzzi of Despair as its called, is a combination of methane gas and hydrogen sulfide that kills all creatures who enter it. Can we bring a species back from the brink? The defective BOP and the capping stack were removed in early September and replaced by a functioning BOP. The Gulf of Mexico is the ninth largest body of water in the world at a width of 810 nautical miles (1,500 km). Situated in the southwestern part of the Gulf, the Sigsbee Deep (Mexico Basin) is the deepest region in the Gulf of Mexico that has an estimated depth of over 4,384m. Ocean Depth Maps - Florida and Eastern Gulf of Mexico - Pursue The Outdoors coastline, at least 1,200 square miles of the deep ocean floor, and 68,000 square miles of surface water. Claims by several research groups that subsurface plumes of dispersed hydrocarbons had been detected in May were initially dismissed by BP and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). With time, the Gulf of Mexico became an excellent avenue for trade. Located close to the Continental Shelf, you'll find waters as deep as 600 feet just 10-12 miles from shore. Deepwater Horizon oil spill, also called Gulf of Mexico oil spill, largest marine oil spill in history, caused by an April 20, 2010, explosion on the Deepwater Horizon oil riglocated in the Gulf of Mexico, approximately 41 miles (66 km) off the coast of Louisiana and its subsequent sinking on April 22. [4] A proposal by the United States renaming Sigsbee Deep, with coordinates of 23 52 N 91 35 W, to "Mexico basin" was rejected by the Sixteenth Meeting of the GEBCO Sub-committee on Undersea Feature Names (SCUFN), the international authority on feature names, in 2003 with the note that it is "an historical name dating back to Sir John Murray." What if we could clean them out? Oil and gas interests generate about $124 billion, nearly half the sum generated by all industries combined. While most of the Gulf of Mexico is fairly shallow, its deepest point is Sigsbee Deep, which has an estimated maximum depth of 14,383 feet! It is enclosed largely by North America. These islands are Galveston, Follets, Matagorda, St. Josephs (San Jos), Mustang, Padre, and Brazos. Sigsbee Deep is a variant name for the United States Board on Geographic Names (BGN) approved name of Mexico Basin for cartographic materials produced by Federal agencies. Sea wall installed to protect Fort Myers Beach condo building just feet from the Gulf of Mexico March 2, 2023 Observing the migrant crisis from the eyes of the U.S. Coast Guard The Gulf of Mexico is home to more than 750 known shipwrecks, ranging from modern wrecks all the way back to the 16thcentury. The oil well over which it was positioned was located on the seabed 4,993 feet (1,522 metres) below the surface and extended approximately 18,000 feet (5,486 metres) into the rock. This is twice the size of Texas. Gulfs are formed as a result of plate tectonics and are usually larger and more deeply indented than the bays. Interested in early American history? Nearly all offshore oil and natural gas leasing and development activity currently occurs in the central and western Gulf of Mexico, where thousands of . Today, there are roughly 27,000 abandoned oil and gas wells underneath the Gulf. Check out our guide on the 13 colonies for everything you need to know about the colonies and how the US came to be. To the north of the Gulf of Mexico are the US states of Alabama, Texas, Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Unauthorized use is prohibited. From April through October 2022, NOAA and a diverse set of collaborators embarked on a set of eight scientific cruises in some of the Gulf of Mexico . A sea lily (Crinoidea) rests in the middle of a mushroom coral (Anthomastus sp.) "Geography of the Gulf of Mexico." Some of these Gulf of Mexico sharks include bull sharks, hammerhead sharks, and lemon sharks. The average depth of the Gulf of Mexico is 5,299 feet (1,615 meters) and the maximum depth is estimated to be 14,383 feet (4,384 meters). Each year millions of migratory birds trek the long journey across the Gulf to feed and mate. The First European Settlement Was at Pensacola Bay, Over 60 Million Americans Live Along the Gulf. Hurricane Season of Gulf of Mexico: The hurricane season officially begins at the beginning of June and ends in late November. Warning: THIS DATA IS NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATION It contains about 2,500 quadrillion liters of saltwater. A mans world? Regardless of region, the Gulf of Mexico has a striking diversity of flora and fauna which support fish, sharks, dolphins, and countless other marine life. Following the continental shelf edge westward, Diaphus Bank rises about 48 miles west of the Mississippi Trough. Cleanup crews attempted to burn the oil off of the water, gather the oil and move it, and block it from hitting the coast. Both are partially detailed in a lengthy 1975 National Academy of Sciences report on ocean contaminants. "A recent forecast of the size of the 'Dead ZoneR The southeast is bordered by the northwest portion of Cuba, which includes the capital, Havana. Its no secret that the Gulf of Mexico is a great vacation spot! Two Dry Tree Semisubmersible Designs for Ultra Deep Water Post-Katrina https://www.thoughtco.com/geography-of-the-gulf-of-mexico-1435544 (accessed March 4, 2023). It is surrounded by the Mexican states of Baja California, Baja California Sur, Sonora, Sinaloa and Nayarit. Its called the Gulf of Mexico. Left, scientists launch a seafloor sampling device off a research vessel into the Gulf of Mexico. Eighteen percent of the country's oil comes from offshore wells in the Gulf. Gulf of Mexico Deep-Sea Corals Win Protection At least 33 species of whales are found in the Gulf of Mexico. But the Gulf is also a habitat for other sea animals including dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and manatees. Researchers recently announced that this year the excess fertilizer from farm fields carried to the Gulf of Mexico helped in the development of a low-oxygen, "dead zone" in the Gulf of Mexico that covered an area of 6,952 square miles - the 8th largest ever measured! The Gulf of Mexico produces nearly 20% of all U.S. crude oil. "Dude, you have some terrible luck. and southward under the influence of eddies typical of the deep Gulf of Mexico (Androulidakis et al., 2018). 30A is the #1 Guide to Floridas Scenic Highway 30-A. Through the process of upwelling, which occurs near the Florida coast of the Gulf, the cooler nutrient-rich water from the deeper parts of the Gulf is brought to the surface. The 30A Company | 30A, Beach Happy and Life Shines are Registered Trademarks, By: Shannon Serpette | Posted Dec 17, 2021, The Five Beachiest Birds to Look for in the Sand and Skies, As a beach lover its likely you know that birds, much like other beach features, are never the same at every beach. How Deep Is the Gulf of Mexico? - AZ Animals Here's where to find more lumps to fish in the gulf. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Over the years, these water bodies turn into dead zones. All rights reserved. Two days later, following a series of pressure tests, it was announced that the well was completely sealed. However, it was verified in June that the plumes were in fact from the Deepwater spill. Gulf of Mexico - Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory It has been estimated that these islands were formed about 5,000 - 8,000 years ago. The Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is the worst oil spill in history, leaving almost 5 million barrels of oil in the Gulf. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. Tourism accounts for $100 billion annually and in 2008 the fishing harvest from five Gulf states totaled $661 million. We have not only provided the answer to the question here but have also explored more interesting facts about the Gulf. Heres the technology that helped scientists find itand what it may have been used for. To complete your Gulf of Mexico knowledge, we also go over all the key information you should know about its physical geography and history. Watch These Elk Ramming Cars at Yellowstone,, Rare Footage Shows How Killer Whale Packs, Watch a Lioness Save Her Zookeeper When the Male Lion Attacks Him Point-Blank, Watch These Elk Ramming Cars at Yellowstone, and Showing Their True Size, A Clash of Two Lion Prides Ends When This Monster Shows Up, Watch a Gargantuan Komodo Dragon Effortlessly Swallow a Wild Boar in One Gulp, The Largest Great White Sharks Ever Found Off Florida Waters, See Dominator The Largest Crocodile In The World, And As Big As A Rhino, Watch This Huge Komodo Dragon Flex Its Power and Swallow a Shark Whole, Real Life Jaws Spotted 30ft Great White Shark By Boat, The Gulf of Mexico was a trade route dating back to the. environmental disaster, Gulf of Mexico [2010]. Houston, New Orleans, Cancun, Tampa, Key West, Havana, San Francisco de Campeche, Mobile, Gulfport, Tampico, Veracruz, Ciudad del Carmen, Coatzacoalcos, Corpus Christi are some of the major urban settlements along the Gulf. The Bay of Campeche (Veracruz), 6. Most areas incurred over 40 inches of rain within a 4-day period, in contrast, Nederland, Texas saw an astonishing 60 inches of rainfall! Geography of the Gulf of Mexico. The Gulf of Mexico contains seven barrier islands located along the Gulfs northwestern part. The average depth of the Gulf is roughly 5,200 feet, but other parts of the Gulf of Mexico are surprisingly deep. However, there are some areas of the Gulf that are much deeper. The average depth of the Gulf is roughly 1,615 metres (5,299ft). The casual observer would need to watch the coral for many years possibly hundreds to notice any difference in its growth, however. These strange, complex configurations are part of the geology that created the conditions that allowed vast oil deposits to collect. Nice beaches and all, and warm for nine months a year, but if youre going anywhere west of about 85 degrees longitude, youll have the argument with yourself about cutting the corner across the Gulf. One escarpment has a towering drop of 1,220 meters and extends for 560 kilometers, or 348 miles. The Spanish explorer Tristn de Luna y Arellano landed at Pensacola Bay and established a settlement on August 15, 1559. Supported by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ( NOAA) Ocean Exploration and Research, the research team recently completed an expedition into the Green Banana Blue Hole . It is one of the largest bodies of water in the world and it is a part of the Atlantic Ocean. Fishing in the Gulf of Mexico: - Top spots & species - How to fish (charter fishing, deep sea fishing, shore fishing) - When to come | For beginners and pros . The North-West Gulf of Mexico. Why wetlands are so critical for life on Earth, Rest in compost? America's Sea: The Gulf of Mexico - Texas Aquatic Science "Sigsbee Deep" applied to the entire deep basin appears on some of the earliest charts of the Gulf of Mexico. The average depth of the Gulf of Mexico is 5,299 feet (1,615 meters) and the maximum depth is estimated to be 14,383 feet (4,384 meters). Breathtaking vistas create an inviting back drop for all-season entertaining.. 2. Why is Gulf of Mexico so deep? - Studybuff The rig was located approximately 50 miles southeast of Venice, Louisiana, and had a 126-member crew onboard. How Deep Is The Gulf Of Mexico Near Tampa? - PartyShopMaine The floor of the Gulf of Mexico is one of the most geologically interesting stretches of the Earths surface. ???? Gulfs are large bodies of saltwater that can be navigated and are nearly surrounded by land. nutrient-enriched waters from the deep by a process known as upwelling, which stimulates plankton growth in the euphotic zone. Anglers can check out the most common fish found on Alabamas beaches here. The black coral that lives in the Gulf has been found recently to be in the running for one of the oldest living things on earth. Red snapper are generally found in waters from 30 to 620 feet deep and are one of the most heavily . The evaporation and filling of saltwater in the basin over the millennia created deposits and mounds that today appear as cliffs bordering Sigsbee Deep. How Deep is the Gulf of Mexico | Gulf of Mexico Depth Over the next 150 million years the gulf continued to deepen and enlarge with the movements of the earth. Not only does it border five U.S. states Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida but the Gulf of Mexico also borders Cuba and part of Mexico. Traveling east from the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico to the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf Stream is one of the strongest currents in the world. Home Fishing Ocean Depth Maps Florida and Eastern Gulf of Mexico. Lets look at some unique facts about this body of water. The Gulf Stream originates here, and it is one of the strongest ocean currents in the world. Endangered marine species such as sperm whales and West Indian manatees are found in the gulf along with nearly 50 shark species like tiger and bull sharks. Lines of underwater microphones pulled along the surface behind the ship record how long it takes the reflected waves to reach them, data that can then be translated into topography. A Coral Reef Sanctuary in the Gulf of Mexico Could Triple in Size However, in portions such as The Sigsbee Deep, which is 2 miles southwest of Brownsville, Texas, the depths reach up to 4,384 meters, or 14,383 feet! For-Hire Fishing Permits in the Gulf of Mexico All Recreational Anglers need a saltwater recreational fishing license or registration from a state or U.S. territory except Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands. The deepest point is in the Mexico Basin (Sigsbee Deep), which is 17,070 feet (5,203 metres) below sea level. Distance Calculator - MapSof.net This in turn stimulates plankton growth and attracts numerous shrimps, small fishes, and squids. The rig capsized and sank on the morning of April 22, rupturing the riser, through which drilling mud had been injected in order to counteract the upward pressure of oil and natural gas. It has been estimated by researchers that the Gulf of Mexico was formed as a result of seafloor subsidence, due to the movement of the Tectonic Plates over 300 million years ago. Pilots who live in Florida, and especially on the west coast of Florida, have this problem. Check out our top-rated graduate blogs here: PrepScholar 2013-2018. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. The Gulf of Mexico features a wide continental shelf, specifically around Florida and the Yucatn Peninsula. ". The BP Deepwater Horizon catastrophe in 2010 spilled 205.8 million gallons of oil and 225,000 tons of methane into the Gulf of Mexico.