Deepwater Horizon - Timeline of a Tragedy

The Deepwater Horizon oil spill began on April 20, 2010, with an explosion on the drilling rig, leading to a massive oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico. Initial response efforts included search and rescue, containment, and cleanup. The spill was declared a national significance event, prompting extensive containment efforts, including the use of booms, skimmers, and relief wells. The spill had a devastating impact on wildlife and the environment, with significant loss of marine life. Legal proceedings followed, resulting in a settlement with BP. The spill lasted 87 days, releasing 134 million gallons of oil.

What was the immediate response to the explosion on the Deepwater Horizon rig?

• Search for missing personnel and setting up a joint incident command

• Immediate capping of the oil leak

• Evacuation of all personnel

• Deployment of military forces

What did the declaration of a spill of national significance imply?

• The spill was not a threat to the environment

• The spill required extraordinary containment and cleanup efforts

• The spill was contained

• The spill was limited to a small area

What was one of the major concerns for NOAA regarding the oil spill?

• The oil would evaporate quickly

• The oil would enter the Gulf of Mexico loop current

• The oil would solidify on the ocean floor

• The oil would be absorbed by marine life

What was the impact of the oil spill on wildlife by the end of May?

• Obvious impact on wildlife, including birds and sea turtles

• Minimal impact on birds

• Complete recovery of affected species

• No significant impact

What was the estimated daily oil leak rate by early June?

• 19,000 barrels per day

• 10,000 barrels per day

• 5,000 barrels per day

• 1,000 barrels per day

What was the purpose of the capping stack procedure initiated by BP?

• To increase the oil recovered

• To drill a new well

• To relocate sea turtles

• To burn off excess gas

What was the outcome of the legal proceedings involving BP and other companies?

• No settlements were reached

• BP was found not guilty

• BP reached a global settlement for nearly $21 billion

• All companies were acquitted

How long did the Deepwater Horizon oil spill last?

• 120 days

• 30 days

• 87 days

• 60 days

What was the estimated total amount of oil released into the ocean?

• 200 million gallons

• 134 million gallons

• 100 million gallons

• 50 million gallons

What was one of the long-term environmental impacts of the oil spill?

• Destructive impact on coastal marshes and wildlife

• Minimal impact on marine life

• Complete recovery of all affected areas

• No impact on the seafloor