Gulf coast oil spill

[Urbane Guerrilla]

It is interesting that petroleum is generally measured in barrels. Yet this spill is being invariably publicized in US news outlets in gallons. 42 gallons to the barrel. Is someone trying to make it sound bigger or something?

Sam, delta mud would be immediately replaced if washed out to sea. What's making the Mississippi Delta again?

And in due -- geologic -- course, the Mississippi River delta deposits will themselves become source rock for petroleum and natural gas.

[SamIam]

Originally Posted by Urbane Guerrilla

Sam, delta mud would be immediately replaced if washed out to sea. What's making the Mississippi Delta again?

No, they were not talking about delta mud. They were referring to the soil substrate that forms the basis for life in the wet lands. If this substrate is washed out to sea, it will not be replaced for a long, long time. Plants will no longer be able to take root and grow in former wetlands areas. The entire ecosystem will be subject to collapse.

[Griff]

Originally Posted by Urbane Guerrilla

It is interesting that petroleum is generally measured in barrels. Yet this spill is being invariably publicized in US news outlets in gallons. 42 gallons to the barrel. Is someone trying to make it sound bigger or something?

Never once have I heard the spill described in gallons. This spill is not a media invention, it is a crime.

[glatt]

I've seen it as both gallons and barrels, but mostly barrels. I'm annoyed at the few news stories that have reported gallons. Keep your units consistent, people.

[Urbane Guerrilla]

Originally Posted by Griff

Never once have I heard the spill described in gallons. This spill is not a media invention, it is a crime.

Funny. I've never heard any unit but gallons cited here in SoCal, either print media, net, or radio.