Officials used a model that incorporated currents and wind speeds, along with data from planes and satellites, to predict a trajectory of the oil slick spreading from the Deepwater Horizon oil rig. Shaded area represents the predicted trajectory on May 7, 2010. But predictions are not exact; the dotted line represents the degree of uncertainty for the prediction. The mysterious debris was found about 6.2 miles ahead of the projected trajectory of the spreading slick. (Map adapted from NOAA/NOS/OR&R Trajectory Forecast Mississippi Canyon 252) (Illustration by Jack Cook, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)[back]
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