A report on the deposition of petroleum tars and asphalts on the beaches of the northern Gulf of Mexico : with notes on the beach conditions and the associated biota

Hildebrand, Henry H., 1922-2003; Gunter, Gordon, 1909-1998

A report on the deposition of petroleum tars and asphalts on the beaches of the northern Gulf of Mexico : with notes on the beach conditions and the associated biota

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Date

1955

Authors

Hildebrand, Henry H., 1922-2003

Gunter, Gordon, 1909-1998

Department

Marine Science

Description

For many years petroleum residues have been washing ashore in the northern Gulf of Mexico. However, except for a few comments by observers along the coast they have gone unnoticed. The lonely stretches of long sandy beaches, formerly so characteristic of the Gulf Coast, are now being developed as resort areas and this places a premium on clean sandy beaches. The present study was made in order to gather information on the extent of beach contamination by petroleum residues. In addition, information on the organisms that live on the beach was desired, because they may be affected by contamination. A study of this type should become increasingly important as the development of tideland oil and recreational beaches continue.