Oil extraction from beneath the ocean floor is a complex process. It involves several key steps:
Locating and Assessing Oil Reserves
First, oil reservoirs are located beneath the seafloor through geological surveys and seismic imaging. This helps determine the size and potential yield of the reserve.
Offshore Drilling
After locating a promising reserve, offshore drilling begins. This process utilizes specialized platforms, including floating drill platforms, which are towed to their location. These rigs drill down to reach the reservoir. [Drilling rigs are used to open up a gas or oil field](Reference: Drilling rigs are used to open up a gas or oil field).
Extraction and Transportation
Once the reservoir is tapped, oil is extracted using various methods, such as pumping. The extracted oil is then transported to onshore facilities via pipelines or tankers. The process includes careful consideration of environmental impact and safety measures. Oil droplets reside in “pores” or holes in the rock beneath the ocean floor. [Oil is found below ground or below the ocean floor in reservoirs, where oil droplets reside in “pores” or holes in the rock](Reference: Oil spills | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).
There are several ways oil can enter the ocean, however, not all of it is extracted intentionally:
- Natural Seeps: Oil naturally seeps from the seafloor into the ocean. [Generally the oil that feeds organisms in the deep sea isn't spilled there by humans, but constantly leaks from reservoirs deep beneath the seafloor](Reference: How Oil Feeds the Deep Sea | Smithsonian Ocean).
- Extraction: This is the process described above, where oil is purposefully extracted.
- Transportation: Oil spills during transportation via tankers or pipelines can introduce large amounts of oil into the ocean.
- Consumption: Oil can enter the ocean via other sources, such as run-off from land or atmospheric deposition. [There are four primary ways oil can end up in the ocean: natural seeps, consumption, extraction, and transportation of oil](Reference: How Does Oil Get into the Ocean? | response.restoration.noaa.gov)
Practical Insights:
- Offshore drilling is a capital-intensive operation requiring significant investment in specialized equipment and infrastructure.
- Environmental regulations and safety protocols are crucial during the entire oil extraction process to minimize risks to marine life and ecosystems. [Some impacts can result from sea turtles inhaling and ingesting oil, becoming covered in oil to the point of being unable to swim, or losing important habitat](Reference: How Do Oil Spills Affect Sea Turtles? | response.restoration.noaa.gov).
