Sustaining ecosystems - TAPS

Question 1

Where does the TAP go from?

Answer 1

It goes from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez.

Question 2

4 Economic Facts about the TAP

Answer 2

• 85% of Alaska’s revenue come from the petroleum only 5 years after it was completed
• Used to import 35% of its oil from foreign sources
• Now it delivers 4% of the nation’s crude oil
• Cost $8 billioon

Question 3

Why was it developed?

Answer 3

• October 17 1973, The Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries announced an oil embargo against the US as a retaliation (USwere supporting Israel during the Yom Kippur War)

Question 4

Facts about the TAPS (7)

Answer 4

• 800 miles long
• Oil is 82°C in the pipe
• 380 Miles in the ground
• 20 years for shrubs and vegetation to grow if destroyed
• 10-15ft raised in 500+ locations to allow large mammals to migrate
• slide up to 20ft in case of an earthquake
• 5 restricted activity zones to protect peregrine falcons

Question 5

Explain the Permafrost Problem:

Answer 5

Oil is 82°C
Vertical supports of 5-15 feet above the ground so it doesn’t melt permafrost
This would melt permafrost and destroy the environment
Causes subsidence: pipeline breaks and sinks and breaks
20years < to grow if disturbed as harsh conditions

Quick growing species introduced to stabilise the area as construction would’ve damaged
Designed with radiators so heat goes to the air and not the ground

Question 6

Explain the migration Problem

Answer 6

Large mammals such as wolves, caribou, bears migrate seasonally

To not interfere TAPS is raised 10-15 feet above ground in 500+ locations
Sustainable as only 5 restricted activity zones to protect peregrine falcons

Question 7

Explain the Terrain and Earthquakes problem

Answer 7

TAPS runs through 3 earthquake faults

Can slide 20ft horizontally and 5ft vertically
Environmentally sustainable as it can withstand the earthquakes without any constant rebuilding
This also means that even if there was an earthquake it wouldn’t lead to an oil leakage and damage the environment