2.5 Impact of oil pollution

Question 1

Main causes of marine oil spills:

Answer 1

• Off-shore oil extraction
• Oil pipelines
• Shipping

Question 2

Off-shore oil extraction:

Answer 2

leakage from the rigs

Question 3

Oil pipelines:

Answer 3

leaks in the oil pipework.

Question 4

Shipping:

Answer 4

risk of collision or damage to oil tankers.

Question 5

Impact of oil spill on birds (5)

Answer 5

• Shortage of food as fish and other creatures dies
• birds may consume oil while eating fish which may be toxic to their systems,
• Feather may become coated with oil reducing their ability to fly

Question 6

Impact of oil spill on marine mammals

Answer 6

• Food source are depleted by impact of oil
• Mammals may swallow oil while feeding which might be toxic to them.
• The coating of oil will affect their skin.

Question 7

Impact of oil spill on coral reefs

Answer 7

• An oil slick will prevent sunlight from reaching plants, thereby preventing photosynthesis
• Lack of oxygen will cause species to die
• Area of reefs might become covered with oil

Question 8

Impact of oil spill on beeches

Answer 8

• Animal food sources and tourism will be affected
• Oil is washed in by tides coates rocks
• Organisms in shallow water and rock pools may die due to toxic effects of the oil;