Gulf of Mexico

Hurricane Michael 2018

Warm waters in the Gulf of Mexico raise alarm as US storm season approaches

Environment

On Easter Sunday, dozens of tornadoes tore across Southeastern US, killing more than 30 people. The deadly cluster of storms coincided with waters in the Gulf of Mexico that were three degrees Fahrenheit warmer than the long-term average.

Two people are shown next to a water-filled ditch with a grassy field on either side.

We’re not fixing this environmental crisis. Could one ditch show us the way?

The silhouette of roseau cane during a sunset on the Louisiana coast.

In a hungry little insect, a big threat to Louisiana’s coast

Science
Couple in a boat in flood waters

Scientists pinpoint link between climate change and Hurricane Harvey’s record rainfall

Environment
Ixtoc blowout

Forgotten satellite data is helping researchers reconstruct the effects of a 1979 oil spill

Environment
Oil spill.

The Gulf shows some small signs of recovery, seven years after Deepwater Horizon

Arts

April 20 marks the anniversary of the worst offshore oil spill in United States history. A scientist and a playwright discuss how oil still marks the Gulf region.

Oil slick Gulf of Mexico

Studying a 1979 oil spill may help scientists predict long-term effects of Deepwater Horizon

Environment

Ocean floor expeditions near the site of the 1979 Ixtoc oil blowout seek to find out how the ocean is recovering three decades after the disaster. Scientists hope their work will shed light on the future of the waters near the Deepwater Horizon disaster.

a lionfish

Conservationists want you to eat more lionfish. Wait, what?

Environment

Lionfish is a delicacy that’s catching on in restaurants. But in this case, conservationists are begging you to eat your fill.

Oil lease arrests

Gulf of Mexico oil leases spark protests, but little revenue

Environment

Citizen activists tried to stop the government’s recent auction of 4,400 oil and gas leases in the Gulf of Mexico. They failed, but the auction brought in less revenue than expected.

Strange weather and climate change

Environment

A meteorologist connects the dots between the recent floods, tornadoes, blizzards and climate change.