The Exxon Valdez Oil Spill remains the justifiable example of how the transportation of oil can suddenly wreak a huge environmental and economic crisis. Eleven million gallons of oil leaked, unstopped, from the ship when it hit rocks in 1989. Initial cleanup, by most reports, took three years and amounted to a cost of over $2.5 billion. The sheer numbers of animals and birds destroyed were devastating. In fact, hundreds of thousands of birds, harbor seals, and whales were killed. And what we learned about that spill is that still the only "effective" way the oil industry has to clean up the mess is with the use of absorbent paper towels.
Crude oil
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it can explode!
Crude oil is a naturally occurring substance composed of hydrocarbons that can be harmful to the environment and human health if not handled properly. When spilled, it can contaminate water sources, harm wildlife, and have long-lasting impacts on ecosystems. It is important to use proper safety measures when extracting, transporting, and storing crude oil to minimize the risk of accidents and environmental damage.
if the transporting fails, the oil cansink in the sea
Crude oil poses environmental risks, such as oil spills that can harm ecosystems and wildlife. It also contributes to air pollution when burned, releasing greenhouse gases and other pollutants. Additionally, its extraction and transportation can lead to accidents or leaks that have harmful consequences for human health and the environment.
The environmental problems of transporting crude oil across the sea is that if it were to be spilt some how then it would be in the sea for a very long time ( 1-2 years) this will affect the creatures of the water for exmple the fishes In fact spills from tankers have been a regular occurrence and the effects can last for decades. In the case of the Exxon Valdez spill into Prince William Sound in Alaska, for example, there is still residue present and it is still having negative effects on the environment.
Crude oil is a mixture of compounds called hydrocarbons. Many useful materials can be produced from crude oil. It can be separated into different fractions using fractional distillation, and some of these can be used as fuels. Unfortunately, there are environmental consequences when fossil fuels such as crude oil and its products are used.
The flash point of crude oil can vary depending on its composition, but typically ranges from around 35°C to 150°C. Flash point is the temperature at which a volatile substance can ignite when exposed to an ignition source. It is an important safety consideration for handling and transporting crude oil.
Alternative sources of energy to crude oil include renewable sources such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, and biomass energy. These sources are sustainable and have lower environmental impacts compared to fossil fuels like crude oil.
Some negatives of crude oil include its contribution to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions when burned, its potential for environmental disasters such as oil spills, and its reliance on a finite resource that can lead to geopolitical conflicts.
Crude oil can cause environmental problems when spilled, as it can harm wildlife and ecosystems. It can also contribute to air and water pollution when burned or leaked into water sources. Additionally, the extraction and transportation of crude oil can have negative impacts on local communities and indigenous populations.