Gulf Oil Spill

Researchers are studying the impact of the oil spill on microbes in Gulf waters and sediments. This image was taken on the North side of the spill site where there is a lot of thick surface oil and the use of dispersants is widespread. This particular slick was a combination of "chocolate mousse" which is generated by the oil getting frothed up with seawater when the surface waves pick up.

Image credit: Samantha Joye