U.S. Department of the Interior Minerals Management Service Gulf of Mexico OCS Region

Chemistry in the Gulf of Mexico—
An Informative Poster and Teacher's Companion

The Minerals Management Service, Gulf of Mexico OCS Region, announces the availability of the poster "Chemistry in the Gulf of Mexico," which depicts chemical processes occurring in the Gulf of Mexico, as well as the availability of the accompanying Teacher's Companion (OCS Report MMS 2001-066). The large poster identifies these chemical processes that have been studied through scientific research funded by MMS; the Teacher's Companion elaborates on these processes and offers references for gathering more information.

The attractive poster is part of the Minerals Management Service's program to inform the general public and students in particular that simultaneous production of natural resources to meet the Nation's energy needs and the safeguarding and enhancement of the environment are compatible. "Chemistry in the Gulf of Mexico" helps the viewer understand the natural chemical processes occurring in the Gulf. These processes include precipitation of barite chimneys, dissolution of salt to form brine pools, and migration of oil and gas to form seeps and support life. The 20-page Teacher's Companion can be used as part of a chemistry curriculum. The Companion elaborates the various chemical processes depicted in the poster and offers four ready-to-use classroom exercises.

"Chemistry in the Gulf of Mexico" is the fourth in a series of posters and Teacher's Companions produced by MMS to inform the public of its scientific studies in the Gulf of Mexico.

Posters and Teacher's Companions can be obtained from the Minerals Management Service, Gulf of Mexico OCS Region, Attn: Public Information Office MS 5034, 1201 Elmwood Park Blvd., New Orleans, Louisiana 70123. Telephone orders will be accepted at 1-800-200-GULF, or fax orders at 504-736-2620. Posters will be mailed unfolded in mailing tubes. Because of limited quantities, we cannot accept bulk orders.

MMS is the federal agency in the U.S. Department of the Interior that manages the nation's oil, natural gas and other mineral resources on the outer continental shelf in federal offshore waters. The agency also collects, accounts for and disburses mineral revenues from federal and Indian leases. These disbursements totaled nearly $8 billion last year and more than $110 billion since the agency was created in 1982. Annually, nearly $1 billion from those revenues go into the Land and Water Conservation Fund for the acquisition and development of state and federal park and recreation lands.
 

-MMS-GOM-
MMS's Website Address: http://www.mms.gov

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