Oil can spill anywhere it is extracted, transported, or used (Credit: NOAA). View and print this infographic and see the description below.
Oil can spill anywhere it is drilled, transported, or used. Different places where oil can spill include:
The top of this graphic shows a bustling city, including a power plant, several cars driving on a road, and a plane flying overhead, with title text reading “Where do oil spills come from?”
Beneath the city, a small stream of oil drips into the next level of the graphic, which shows the surface of water. There are three pieces to this section.
The bottom of the graphic shows reserves of oil underground, connected by an extraction pipe to the oil rig above. The text here reads: “Natural seeps of oil: Oil seeps are natural leaks of crude oil and gas from subterranean reservoirs through the ocean floor. While not caused by humans, oil from seeps can be confused with oil spills.” A trickle of oil from a natural seep is depicted coming up from the ocean floor opposite the pipe.
Key Takeaway: Oil can be spilled anywhere it is used, transported, or extracted.
Social