EXXON VALDEZ

BASIC OVERVIEW

• In 1989, March 24th, the oil tanker Exxon Valdez ran aground trying to avoid ice
• It was carrying oil from Valdez, Alaska, to Los Angeles
• It ran aground on Bligh Reef
• Over the course of 6 hours, it spilled approximately 10.9 million gallons in total

WHAT WENT WRONG?

SHORT TERM EFFECTS

• By August 1st, 1989, over 30,000 birds were found dead
• Over 1 million birds were affected
• Thousands of otters and harbour seals were affected
• More than 20 orca whales needed help
• Billions of salmon and herring eggs were destroyed

SHORT TERM EFFECTS 2

• Lots of algae and invertebrates were affected
• It decreased the amount of tourism, losing money
• Up to $50.5 million dollars worth of fishing was lost

LONG TERM EFFECTS

• Lingering oil affects wildlife and vegetation
• It affects the growth and health of the population
• Oil was still found up to 450 miles away
• The whole ecosystem is still suffering

THE CLEAN UP

After many attempts at cleaning the oil failed, the challenge was put to the public. The oil was too thick to be moved easily due to the cold waters. John Davis, a construction worker, thought the thick oil was rather similar to pouring cement. Builders use machines that vibrate the liquid to keep it thin enough to move. He suggested that they use that method and it worked.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

• www.groundtruthtrekking.org
• alaska.usgs.gov (a pdf from there)
• Google images
• www.eoearth.org
• www.ideaconnection.com

THANK YOU FOR WATCHING