Impact of BP Oil Spill and Hurricanes

The video discusses the potential for pollutants from the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico to reach as far north as New England, especially if a hurricane or tropical storm occurs. Geochemist Sid Metra is conducting research to understand how hydrocarbons, some of which are toxic, can travel inland. The study involves taking baseline readings and analyzing air and water samples before, during, and after hurricanes. The video highlights the dynamics of hurricanes and their ability to carry pollutants inland, creating a reverse pollution problem where ocean pollutants reach land. The research is funded by the National Science Foundation and aims to address concerns about the health effects of hydrocarbons in upland areas.

What natural event could potentially carry pollutants from the Gulf of Mexico to New England?

• Volcanic Eruption

• Tornado

• Hurricane

• Earthquake

Who is conducting research on the spread of hydrocarbons from the BP oil spill?

• Professor Alan Green

• Dr. John Smith

• Dr. Emily Brown

• Geochemist Sid Metra

What are researchers primarily looking for in the air and water samples?

• Radioactive isotopes

• Microplastics

• Hydrocarbons

• Heavy metals

How can hydrocarbons from the oil spill reach inland areas?

• Via underground water channels

• Through animal migration

• Through ocean currents

• By being carried by hurricanes and storms

What is a potential consequence of hydrocarbons being carried inland by hurricanes?

• Increased fish population

• Toxic effects on land

• Decreased rainfall

• Improved air quality

What is the most violent section of a hurricane where rain bands meet?

• The eye

• The outer bands

• The eyewall

• The center

How wide can a fully formed hurricane be?

• 500 miles

• 200 miles

• 100 miles

• 1000 miles

What is the usual focus of studies on pollutants?

• How pollutants move from land to sea

• How pollutants affect wildlife

• How pollutants are formed

• How pollutants are used in industry

Which areas are being sampled by Metra for the study?

• Texas and Florida

• New York and New Jersey

• Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, and North Carolina

• California and Nevada

What misconception might people in upland areas have about the oil spill?

• That it won't affect them because they are far from the coast

• That it will decrease temperatures

• That it will improve air quality

• That it will increase rainfall