NOAA has just posted aerial photographs taken on September 14-15 in the Galveston area. These photos show what might be oil slicks, some originating at what appear to be large storage tanks. We can’t say for sure at this point, and we can’t tell how thick the oil is from these photographs — much of it may be thin “sheen” — so we don’t know how big these possible spills are. So take a look for yourself. Here’s our preliminary analysis. We don’t have any confirmation so be skeptical. If you can confirm or refute any of this, please provide a comment.

Extensive slicks near possible oil storage facility:

• http://ngs.woc.noaa.gov/ike/IMAGES/ike_c25884585.htm
• http://ngs.woc.noaa.gov/ike/IMAGES/ike_c25884575.htm
• http://ngs.woc.noaa.gov/ike/IMAGES/ike_c25884565.htm
• http://ngs.woc.noaa.gov/ike/IMAGES/ike_c25884555.htm

Slicks emanating from storage tanks:

• http://ngs.woc.noaa.gov/ike/IMAGES/ike_c25883231.htm
• http://ngs.woc.noaa.gov/ike/IMAGES/ike_c25885419.htm

Slick from large storage tank:

• http://ngs.woc.noaa.gov/ike/IMAGES/ike_c25884845.htm
• http://ngs.woc.noaa.gov/ike/IMAGES/ike_c25884855.htm

Large slick – source unknown:

• http://ngs.woc.noaa.gov/ike/IMAGES/ike_c25884795.htm
• http://ngs.woc.noaa.gov/ike/IMAGES/ike_c25884785.htm