While rescue crews have resorted to high tech methods in an effort to stop the well spewing crude oil into the Gulf of Mexico, spills occurring in deep waters present unique challenges, says Temple Civil and Environmental Engineering Chair Michel Boufadel. Oil released underwater is harder to monitor and capture, said Boufadel, who has studied the impacts of the Exxon Valdez spill. "The problem with an underwater spill is you really don't know where it's going to emerge on the surface."