BP Oil Spill and Cause
Back in 2010, a large oil rig that was owned and ran by BP Oil Co. exploded due to a missfire. According to reports, the oil rig had engaged the saftey seals when an oil tube had a fracture. The expectation of the seal was that it would cover the fracture and stop oil flow, however that did not happen. Once the seals were activated, they missfired and cause a large explosion on the rig. Eleven people were kiled in the explosion. After further investigation, BP was found to be guilty of not updating the engaging systems for the seals; out of date systems caused the rig to explode.
Animal Effects
While the rig was gushing oil into the Gulf of Mexico, animals ran into these patches of oil. Birds were the most effected. Multiple birds were caught by them diving into the water for food. Animals are unaware of the oil spots, so they had no idea of the danger. Fish were also affected. Even though oil is less dense than water and floats to the surface, the chemcials and other molecules that are harmful to animals spread into the ocean. So-called "dead zones' contained methane and other deadly gases; when fish swam into them, they would suffocate and die.
Human Actions and Effects
A few days after the rig exploded, the oil reacehd land. As soon as it was discovered, cleaning organiztaions were created to assist in cleaning the beaches and animals. People were also sent out in boats and large nets to scoop up the oil that lingered on the surface. When the oil hit the beaches, tourism was cut down greatly. This affected the econmoy of several states. On top of that, gas prices raised for gas that was owned by BP.
Location
The BP oil spill took place in the GUlf of Mexico. The oil rig was not far of shore, in fact, you could see the smoke and fire from the shoreline.
Timeline
The BP oil rig spewed oil out into the Gulf for about three whole months. The well eventually stopped leaking in the third month of June, but the well was not officially sealed until September of 2010.
Current Actions
As of today, BP is still paying off their oil spill debts; even three years afterwards they have yet to finish. Other action by everyday people would be continuous cleaning of the remaining oil. According to experts, there are still many oil patches floating around in the ocean, there are even still some tainted beaches. The cleaning organizations created three years ago have still been cleaning; this includes animals and ecosystems.