Oil Spill Preparation and Recovery

Name: _________________________________       Date: _____________

To prepare for oil spills, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Adminsitration has created Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) Maps for the entire U.S. coastline. These maps describe the habitats, animals, plants, and human activities along the shore. In this activity, you will learn some of the features of ESI maps. You will then take a look at how well the Prince William Sound region of Alaska has recovered from the 1989 Exxon Valdez spill.

1. First, you'll learn a bit about ESI Maps. What are the three types of information shown on an ESI map?
   
   
   
   
2. Take a look at this list of Shoreline Types. List the three types of shorelines most vulnerable to oil spills.
   
   
   
   
3. Click the links to the photographs of the three shorelines you chose to answer question 2. Form a hypothesis about why they are so vulnerable.
   
   
   
   
4. Return to the link for question 2. Which three shoreline types are least vulnerable to oil spills?
   
   
   
   
5. Now you'll see how oil spills affect Biological Resources. List five situations that put animals and their habitat at high risk to oil spills.
   
   
   
   
6. Next, view a sample ESI map of Point Reyes National Seashore in California. According to the color coding system used, which areas would be most affected by an oil spill?
   
   
   
   
7. According to the map, which types of wildlife might be most affected by this spill?
   
   
   
   
8. List two symbols that show how this spill would affect people.
   
   
   
   
9. Read a summary of recovery from the 1989 Exxon Valdez spill. In your opinion, has Prince William Sound recovered from the spill yet? Give evidence to back up your position.