[Wonder Warthog]

"They way I perceive the flow of the underwater plume, it looks as if the Keys and Cuba might get hit hard before the current takes it up the Eastern flow. The Gulf Stream has been protecting much of Florida’s East Coast from hurricanes. Perhaps it will keep the oil and residue significantly offshore. Hoping of course."

The "plumes" and the surface oil are driven by totally different mechanisms. The underwater stuff is mostly transported by the currents, as you mention. The surface stuff is mostly driven by prevailing winds, which, at this time of year.

But by the time the underwater "plume" gets to the Keys/Cuba (and certainly by the time it gets "east" of Florida), I think you would be hard put to detect any oil at all, given that it has been diluted to 0.5 ppm after traveling only 42 miles.

[poobear]

I’m counting on it WW! It’s awful pretty around here. Gator trout, red fish, snook, grouper and red snapper are a real treat. Hate to see this happen to any Gulf State.

Thanks for a voice of reason and information. I remain hopeful.