Prudhoe Bay

Question 1

Where is Prudhoe Bay located?

Answer 1

North Slope Borough in the U.S. state of Alaska

Question 2

What are four environmental impacts of oil production?

Answer 2

1. Fragile tundra habitats destroyed
2. Noise pollution from offshore drilling disturbs marine species
3. 60 000 + nitrogen oxides released due to gas flaring
4. Groundwater use:
   a) Brought to the surface containing salt, oil etc. damaging local ecosystems
   b) Decrease in lake heights > too shallow so freeze through in winter > destroys habitats.

Question 3

What are three environmental impacts of oil distribution?

Answer 3

1. Leaking pipline > remote so slow discovery and repair
   - Leak near Prudhoe Feb 2001
2. Oil spills from ships
   - 1989 Exxon Valdez
3. Road transport > road allow standing water to collect > impact water cycle > new habitats