Exxon Valdez oil spill March 24, 1989 - 25th anniversary

The Exxon Valdez oil spill occurred when the tanker struck a reef in Prince William Sound, Alaska, spilling over 11 million gallons of crude oil. This environmental disaster threatened local wildlife and prompted a complex cleanup effort. Alieska, representing several oil companies, initiated cleanup operations, but the remote location and size of the spill posed challenges. Cleanup methods included burning, mechanical skimming, and chemical dispersants, though the latter was controversial. Support from NOAA and other organizations helped coordinate efforts, and facilities were set up to clean affected wildlife. The Exxon Valdez was later renamed but banned from returning to the spill site.

What was the approximate volume of oil spilled by the Exxon Valdez in terms of Olympic-sized swimming pools?

• 17 pools

• 25 pools

• 10 pools

• 30 pools

Which of the following was NOT a method used in the cleanup of the Exxon Valdez oil spill?

• Burning

• Biological agents

• Mechanical cleanup

• Chemical dispersants

What was a major challenge in the cleanup efforts of the Exxon Valdez oil spill?

• Insufficient manpower

• Poor weather conditions

• Remote location

• Lack of funding

Which organization provided weather forecasts to aid the cleanup teams?

• San Diego's Hubs Marine Institute

• Alieska

• International Bird Research Center

• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

What was the new name given to the Exxon Valdez after the spill?

• Sea River Atlantic

• Alaskan Explorer

• Sea River Mediterranean

• Oceanic Voyager