Oil Drilling in the Arctic

Paper Summary:

This paper explores the importance of porcupine caribou and other keystone species of Alaska's ecosystems. It revisits past oil spills and shows the negative effects oil drilling has and will have on the environment.

From the Paper:

"Fish habitats are also in danger if drilling takes place in the refuge. Erosion, sedimentation, or alteration of drainage flow or wetland habitat can result from inadequate cross-drainage structures. Gravel removal from a floodplain can also affect fish by changing the patterns of flow or water quality. Water withdrawal can reduce the flow of a stream and potentially raise the temperature to dangerous levels if it becomes low enough. Causeways may inhibit the movement of fish, and change the quality or quantity of movement of sediment. Oil in water bodies will coat fish - making it impossible for them to eat, mate, or breathe - it also poisons them and makes them inedible for other predatory animals. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Caribou in the Arctic Refuge. Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. 11 Apr 2004. http://arcticcircle.uconn.edu/ANWR/anwrcaribou.html
• Crawford, Mark. Interior Sets Fight on Alaska Oil Patch. 12 Dec 1986.
• Walker, Donald; Binnian, Emily; Everett, Kaye; Nordstrand, Earl; Webber, Partick. Impacts of Petroleum Development in the Arctic: Response. JSTOR. Science, New Series, Vol. 245, No. 4919 (Aug. 18, 1989).
• Robertson, Scott. Impacts of Petroleum Development in the Arctic.
• Walker, D.A.; Webber, P.J.; Binnian, E.F.; Everett, K.R.; Lederer, N.D.; Nordstrad, E.A.; Walker, M.D. Cumulative Impacts of Oil Fields on Northern Alaskan Landscapes. 6 Nov. 1987.

More papers on Oil Drilling in the Arctic:

• Analytical Essay # 69730 : "Drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge"
• Essay # 60091 : "The Oil Drilling in Alaska"
• Argumentative Essay # 91305 : "Drilling in Arctic National Wildlife Refuge"

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