Why the BP Spill is Bigger Than You Think

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This quantity is sufficiently large to affect the heat retention of the water, thus increasing the intensity of tropical storms in that area beyond that of Katrina. Also, by spreading underwater, the ocean currents will be affected, changing wind and weather patterns world wide. The effects will not be overcome in one year or even one decade. For some comparison, see the results of the drilling gone wrong in Maylasia. There the resulting mud volcano has displaced thousands of people, causing social and economic disruption. It has been going on for two years and shows no sign of slowing. Another petroleum spill is continuing to flow into deep ocean off Australia. Because it is deep water and out of sight, it is considered of little importance, but noone knows how much is being released. We know more about space than we do about the ocean depths. More study is needed before drilling is allowed to continue.

haitchjay of OH 1:36PM June 25, 2010

Why can't the government hire an independent professional that understands the business to handle the questions & answers?

Nick Privett of OK 9:39AM June 25, 2010

To believe that BP or the Gov't dont know the flow rate is absurd. These formulas arnt even difficult. The pressure, is known the viscoasity is known, The percentage of gas vs oil can be estimated, The pipe size is known. Why dont they get a scientist with a nobel prize should be one on the payroll I think.
The Gov't should stop blaming BP for even poor flowrate measurements. Or they should replace the people advising them with people who know what their doing.
Also the plugging of this is outragious to believe this is the best of the industry or scientific minds working on this sounds absurd. I can think of many ways, and have heard of many More. This is Basic Fluid Flow with a flanged connection below the leak yet it cant be blanked, or a valve installed using that flange get real.

Jerry of NY 11:16AM June 24, 2010

To believe that BP or the Gov't dont know the flow rate is absurd. These formulas arnt even difficult. The pressure, is known the viscoasity is known, The percentage of gas vs oil can be estimated, The pipe size is known. Why dont they get a scientist with a nobel prize should be one on the payroll I think.
The Gov't should stop blaming BP for even poor flowrate measurements. Or they should replace the people advising them with people who know what their doing.
Also the plugging of this is outragious to believe this is the best of the industry or scientific minds working on this sounds absurd. I can think of many ways, and have heard of many More. This is Basic Fluid Flow with a flanged connection below the leak yet it cant be blanked, or a valve installed using that flange get real.

Jerry of NY 11:16AM June 24, 2010

I've estimated that the flow of oil into the Gulf has been over 100,000 Barrels of oil per day, since day one. BP knows this; and so does the federal government. They just don't want US to know it! We're too dumb to handle it.

Barry W. Shook of IN 1:13PM June 23, 2010

With the sea unable to sustain Krill, the Gulf will become a 'dead sea'!
The gulf will change from a 'breadbasket' to a basket case!
Then think of the pollution being generated by burning off the oil on the surface!
The air will contain huge amounts of CO2 and Methane, far greater than that produced by our existing power plants and vehicles! Who do we tax for these pollutants?
The billion dollar penalty imposed by the Obama administration is miniscule to the amount needed to bring back the ability of the Gulf waters to sustain sea life!
Who is looking at the 'big picture'??
Certainly not Obama!

Franko of MA 12:16PM June 23, 2010

There is a lot of methane flowing. It may be more of a problem in quantity than the oil.
Questions:
What is to ensure that the two new wells will result in a fix and not result in three leaks?
How much methane is flowing?
Will the new plug, if it stops the oil, also stop the methane?
BP has had almost everything go wrong so counting on good luck is not a wise idea. BP does not appear to understand the situation they are facing or their solutions would work. The undersea formations may be different than what they have experience with and knowledge of. Posted by an Engineer.

Eriemaster of OH 9:16AM June 23, 2010

this is not just an oil spill. this is political. we know how they will make more money out of this disaster. why should good americans always pay the price?

mike of NY 1:21AM June 22, 2010

This is politics not an oil leak.

mike of NY 1:12AM June 22, 2010

I agree, first stop the leak right away. Then move to the next issue. They have not stopped the leak yet. What kind of progress is that? Shame on who ever is in charge. Is this why we pay taxes? The American people have to suffer for rich people?

mike of NY 1:09AM June 22, 2010