Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Definition
Oil spills occur when liquid petroleum hydrocarbons are released into the environment, typically through accidents during transportation or extraction. These spills can have devastating effects on ecosystems and wildlife.
Bioremediation: The use of living organisms (such as bacteria) to break down or remove pollutants from contaminated environments like oil spills.
Exxon Valdez: A famous example of an oil spill that occurred in 1989 when the Exxon Valdez tanker ran aground in Alaska's Prince William Sound, releasing millions of gallons of crude oil.
Deepwater Horizon: Another well-known oil spill that happened in 2010 when an explosion on an offshore drilling rig caused millions of barrels of oil to be released into the Gulf of Mexico.