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Some simple questions do not have simple answers. This is one of them.
Most marine oil spills will disrupt the ecosystem of the area and it is generally concluded that these impacts will last far longer than the visual disappearance of the water's surface. But the conditions of spills and the amounts of oil spilled vary greatly, so it is hard to know what the long term impact (10 years plus) of many oil spills, including the BP oil spill.
The Exxon-Valdez spill may be the most studied oil spill in the world, and scientists still have been unable to agree on long term effects. See the excerpt from the Wikipedia link:
"Some twenty years after the spill, a team from the University of North Carolina found that the effects were lasting far longer than expected.[27] The team estimates some shoreline Arctic habitats may take up to thirty years to recover.[clarification needed][8] Exxon Mobil denies any concerns over this, stating that they anticipated a remaining fraction that they assert will not cause any long-term ecological impacts, according to the conclusions of 350 peer-reviewed studies.[28] However, a NOAA study concluded that this contamination can produce chronic low-level exposure, discourage subsistence where the contamination is heavy, and decrease the "wilderness character" of the area.[23]"
In the particular case of the Exxon-Valdez oil spill, if you read through the press release from the University of North Carolina, you will learn more on the long term effects. Oil contains toxic chemicals, particularly the aromatics (benzene is a good example) which is harmful to marine life. In the case of the Alaska spill, the damage was caused to the salmon eggs. This can impact other marine life in Alaska.
There must be sufficient concentration of oil in the water for environmental damage to occur. Over time, sunlight, bacteria and wave action all work to reduce the toxic effects of the oil. But as stated in the UNC study, there may be areas where the oil has been "sequestered" or isolated pools of oil, so the normal decomposition does not occur and the toxic effects are much more long lasting.
There is the UNC study, reported in Science journal in 2003 (may be found in your library), and a NOAA study, which you may find by searching the internet. You may also examine the oil spill following the Kuwait war oil spill. It is controversial whether there is any long term effects (10 years plus) from this spill.
See related links.
What else can I help you with?
What are the short and long term effects of oil?
Short-term effects of oil include environmental pollution, such as oil spills that harm marine life and ecosystems, and economic fluctuations in oil-dependent regions. Long-term effects can involve climate change due to greenhouse gas emissions from oil extraction and consumption, as well as lasting damage to biodiversity and water quality. Additionally, reliance on oil can lead to geopolitical tensions and economic instability as nations vie for resources. Transitioning to renewable energy sources is essential to mitigate these impacts.
What are some short and long term effects of Ixtoc 1?
The Ixtoc I oil spill, which occurred in 1979 off the coast of Mexico, had both short and long-term effects on the environment and local communities. Short-term effects included extensive damage to marine life, destruction of habitats, and immediate economic impacts on fishing and tourism industries. Long-term effects involved persistent contamination of coastal ecosystems, ongoing health risks for local populations, and significant alterations to the Gulf of Mexico's ecological balance. Additionally, the spill raised awareness about the need for stricter regulations on offshore drilling and oil spill response measures.
What were the long-term and short-term effects of World War 1 on Oklahoma?
World War I had both short-term and long-term effects on Oklahoma. In the short term, the war boosted the state's economy through increased agricultural production and demand for oil, leading to a population surge as soldiers returned and new workers moved in. Long-term effects included significant demographic changes, as the war accelerated urbanization and industrialization, particularly in cities like Tulsa. Additionally, the war fostered a sense of nationalism and solidarity, shaping Oklahoma's social and political landscape for years to come.
What are some long term effects associated with oil being the primary export in the region?
Long-term reliance on oil as a primary export can lead to economic vulnerability, as fluctuations in global oil prices can destabilize national economies. This dependence often results in a lack of diversification, stunting the development of other sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing. Additionally, it can contribute to environmental degradation and social inequality, as wealth generated from oil may not be equitably distributed. Over time, this can foster political instability and hinder sustainable development.
Do oil companies buy oil on long term contract or spot market?
both, they tend to have long term contracts but also buy on spot when necessary
What are the pros and cons of nonconventional vs conventional sources of energy?
nonconventional: water, sun, wind They're expensive They can be recycled (not sun) and don't pollute. good long term effects conventional: oil, coal, electricity Global warming good short term effects non-renewable
What were the effects of the Arab OPEC oil embargo on the US?
what were the effects of the Arab OPEC oil embargo on the U.S
When does oil need to be changed?
I change the oil every 3,000 miles. Some people do it sooner, however the bottom line is this. Frequent oil changes are critical for the long-term survivability of the vehicle.
What are possible long-term effects of oil spills?
fish die and get oily which leaves birds to swallow the dead oily fish which can kill the birds leaving the sea full of dead animals!!
Is motor oil toxic to human body?
Motor oil is toxic. New motor oil has fresher, lighter hydrocarbons that can have short-term effects on some organisms, while used motor oil is more dangerous because its toxicity can contribute to chronic environmental hazards such as carcinogenicity.
What are some of the worst environmental disasters caused by humans and what were their long-term impacts on the environment?
Some of the worst environmental disasters caused by humans include the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989, the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in 1986, and the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010. These disasters had long-term impacts on the environment, such as oil contamination of water and soil, radiation exposure, and loss of biodiversity.
Is oil sustainable as an energy source in the long term?
Oil is not sustainable as an energy source in the long term due to its finite supply and negative environmental impact. Alternative renewable energy sources are being developed to replace oil in the future.
