Oil and gas production - Alaska

Question 1

What are the problems associated with oil and gas production in Alaska (climate)

Answer 1

Harsh climate

The huge variations in temperature would cause the pipe to expand and contract

Question 2

What was the solution to relieve the contraction and expansion of the pipe

Answer 2

Zig-zag configuration

Question 3

What was the problem with the area that the oil and gas are in

Answer 3

Remoteness

The waters of prudhoe bay freeze so no tankers

Question 4

What is the area prone to

Answer 4

Earthquakes

Question 5

How did they solve the problems of the earthquakes

Answer 5

Pipe built on slider beams to allow for lateral movement

Question 6

What are the problems with the ecosystem in Alaska

Answer 6

Fragile ecosystem (few links)

Question 7

What was the problem with the permafrost for the pipe

Answer 7

It couldn’t be buried because the oil would melt the ice causing the pipe to sag
The freeze-thaw cycle would damage the pipeline

Question 8

How did they solve the permafrost problems

Answer 8

Built the pipe line above ground
Refrigeration posts
Tapped in fibreglass insulation

Question 9

Why did they build the pipeline

Answer 9

High global energy prices
US governments policy to reduce dependance on oil imports
War in the middle east

Question 10

What impact does the pipeline have on the water and carbon cycle

Answer 10

Oil and gas exploration had impact on the permafrost and local water and carbon cycles
Damages ecosystem
Can upset the volume in stores

Question 11

What are the management stratagies

Answer 11

Protect permafrost
Insulated ice and gravel pads
Buildings and pipelines elevated on piles
Drilling laterally beyond drilling platforms
Refrigerated supports