THE GULF OIL SPILL: TRACKING ITS IMPACT
We are providing this information as a service for those who have expressed concern about the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, and its potential impact on the Georgia coast.
Brunswick and the Golden Isles of Georgia – St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Little St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island – lie at the westernmost point of the Georgia Bight, which extends along the eastern US coast from the Outer Banks of North Carolina to the southern tip of Florida. Brunswick, Georgia is roughly the same longitude (81.49658203125 W) as Akron, Ohio (81.5185546875 W).
The Atlantic Gulf Stream, which controls much of the weather along the US east coast and which is the "carrying current" from the Gulf of Mexico, is at its easternmost point off the Georgia coast, approximately 60 miles.
Though some experts have projected an eventual path along the US east coast, it is difficult at best to predict where, when and how the flow of oil might impact the east coast. It is generally believed, however, that there will be little if any impact on Brunswick and the Golden Isles, due to the factors noted above.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has prepared an informative website that provides frequently updated information on the oil spill, including an interactive map that shows projected onshore and offshore trajectories, fishing restrictions and other information.
Brunswick and The Golden Isles of Georgia CVB and its tourism industry partners extend their deepest concern for our friends and colleagues along the Gulf of Mexico, and hope for a speedy solution to and recovery from this environmental crisis.
Gulf Stream map source: www.OceanPro.com
