Mapping of Modern Sediments in the DeSoto Canyon Region, Northeast Gulf of Mexico

The Desoto Canyon is a submarine canyon in the Northeast Gulf of Mexico with unique sedimentology to either side: the west is dominated by terrigenous clays while the east is dominated by carbonates. Sediment texture and composition influence oil accumulation so the Desoto Canyon’s complex sedimentology means that oil preservation will differ throughout the area. This study aims to increase the resolution of surface sediment maps in the Desoto Canyon region in order to more accurately predict where oil will accumulate in the possible case of a future oil spill like DeepWater Horizon. This work can help streamline oil spill management by determining high risk areas where mitigation efforts can be targeted. 

Texture (sand, silt, and clay percentage) and composition (total organic matter, terrigenous, and carbonate percentage) analysis were done on samples taken from the Desoto Canyon region. Each property was modeled using contour maps. A decreasing gradient of grain size is seen from shelf to basin. Terrigenous sediments are concentrated to the west and in the canyon while carbonate sediments are dominant to the east. Based on sediment properties, the base (SW) of the canyon is most susceptible to oiled sediment accumulation.

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