If you're wondering how to get updates on the Gulf of Mexico oil spill while on the go or want to help out by either reporting on it yourself or donating to the clean-up effort, here's a look at three apps on the App Store that are focused on crowd-sourced solutions to the spill.
BP Oil Spill
This app aims to give you a true understanding of the magnitude of the Deepwater Horizon spill. According to the description, the app offers users a timeline of events in the Gulf, as well as comparisons to past spills and what they mean when considering monetary and environmental damages. BP Oil Spill sells for 99 cents.
SkyTruth Gulf Oil Spill Tracker
If you're being affected by the spill, this app can be used to report "spill related damage." The free application, which is powered by CitySource, maker of civic engagement solutions, allows users to submit, share and browse reports of oil-damaged property. The app also includes current maps of the spill.
Oil Reporter
Oil Reporter is an oil reporting app, but this one takes aim at wildlife affected by the Deepwater Horizon spill. The free app, built by Intridiea, allows users to submit descriptions and photos of the disaster. Users can rate the thickness of the oil on a scale from 1 to 10. The app also features Twitter integration so that users can communicate what they're seeing and what to expect as the slick advances.
Of course, if you don't have an iPhone, you can always donate via any of the mobile giving campaigns that have been set up in the name of BP's big accident.