The Exxon Valdez Oil Spill
Introduction
The following links come
from several reliable sites on the World Wide Web and contain a variety of
facts, ideas, and images about The Exxon Valdez Oil Spill (EVOS). You are
to complete the following Internet Activities on your own. The purpose of
this Web page is to give you an overview of the events leading up to, during,
and after the EVOS. Read the directions carefully. Enjoy exploring these sites.
Internet Activities on Exxon Valdez Oil Spill
Click the link [Radio Message] to hear what Capt. Hazelwood reported when the EVOS occurred.
"It should be on your radar that we've fetched up hard aground north of Goose Islan off Bligh Reef and evidently we're leaking some oil and we're gonna be here awhile."
1. What is your first impression of this message? Describe Capt. Hazelwood's voice and attitude in this message.
Note: You will revisit this
link after you have gathered information about the circumstances surrounding
the EVOS.
Use the map and the information below the map to answer the following questions.
1. When did the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill occur? (Give time and date)
2. Where did the oil spill occur?
3. How many gallons of oil were spilled into the ocean?
Use the pie graph to answer the following questions.
1. What percentage of the oil sank to the sea floor?
2. What percentage of the oil was recovered?
Use the information on this page to explore the size of the Exxon Valdez ship as well as the damage done to it.
1. What are the dimensions of the Exxon Valdez? (Give length, width, and depth)
Scroll to the bottom of this page to observe the pictures of the Exxon Valdez as it was inspected in dry-dock.
Use the information on this page to investigate the causes of the EVOS.
1. In your own words, what was the probable cause and the two contributing factors of the EVOS?
2. Listen to the Radio Message again. How has your impression of Capt.
Hazelwood's voice and attitude changed after finding out the possible causes
of the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill?
Use the information on this page to gather information about the different techniques of cleaning up an oil spill.
1. List two methods for cleaning up oil on
the water and two for cleaning up oil on the beach.
Use the information on this page to examine the effect of the oil spill on wildlife.
1. What animal did you access on the resource and service recovery table? Why did you choose this animal?
2. A habitat is where an organisms lives.
For the organism to survive, it must be able to find its food, water, and
shelter. It must have enough space, and all 4 requirements must be in the
correct arrangement. How did the oil spill affect the habitat of the animal
you chose?
Its food -
Its space or shelter -
How many died?
Is this animal recovering?
Click on the green icon for hsitory and then select The Court Settlement.
On the next page that appears, click on the blue box that Exxon Criminal Settlement.
1. What was the plea agreement?
2. After reading about the settlement among
the State of Alaska, the United States government, and Exxon, do you agree
or disagree with the court's decision? Are there any changes you would have
made to the decision?
Credits
photo - http://www.epa.gov/oerrpage/superfund/programs/er/resource/d2_01.htm
sites -
http://library.thinkquest.org/10867
http://www.oilspill.state.ak.us
http://response.restoration.noaa.gov/photos/exxon/exxon.html