Chapter 9: Problem 16

Explain the environmental drawbacks of extracting tar sands oil.

Short Answer

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The environmental drawbacks of extracting tar sands oil involve the considerable amount of water consumption and potential contamination of water sources, significant land disturbance leading to habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity, increased greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change, and negative impacts on local ecosystems due to land and water disruption and the risk of oil spills during transportation.

Step by step solution

Understand Tar Sands Oil Extraction

Tar sands oil, also known as bitumen, is a heavy and thick type of crude oil, which is mixed with sand, clay, and water. Extracting tar sands oil involves either open-pit mining or in-situ techniques. Both methods require a significant amount of energy, water, and land resources, leading to various environmental issues.

Discuss Water Usage

One of the primary concerns with tar sands oil extraction is the considerable amount of water needed for the process. Open-pit mining involves using hot water to separate the oil from the sand, while in-situ techniques involve injecting steam into the ground to heat the bitumen and pump it to the surface. In both cases, large volumes of water are consumed, leading to concerns about water scarcity and the contamination of nearby water sources.

Address Land Disturbance

Extracting tar sands oil results in significant land disturbance, particularly in the case of open-pit mining. Large areas of land, including forests, wetlands, and peatlands, are cleared or otherwise impacted by the extraction process, which can lead to habitat destruction, loss of biodiversity, and soil erosion. Moreover, the disrupted lands may take decades or even centuries to recover.

Examine Greenhouse Gas Emissions

The extraction and processing of tar sands oil releases a considerable amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs), primarily due to the energy-intensive nature of these processes. The production of tar sands oil generates around three times more GHGs per barrel than conventional oil production. Consequently, tar sands oil extraction exacerbates climate change and contributes to global warming.

Analyze Impacts on Local Ecosystems

The extraction of tar sands oil has detrimental effects on local ecosystems. The significant land disturbance and water usage can endanger plant and animal species, disrupt migration patterns, and alter the overall ecology of the affected areas. Additionally, the risk of oil spills and other accidents during transportation can harm aquatic and terrestrial habitats and the organisms that rely on them. In conclusion, the extraction of tar sands oil has several environmental drawbacks, including excessive water usage, significant land disturbance, increased greenhouse gas emissions, and negative impacts on local ecosystems.

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Explain the environmental drawbacks of extracting tar sands oil.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understand Tar Sands Oil Extraction

Discuss Water Usage

Address Land Disturbance

Examine Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Analyze Impacts on Local Ecosystems

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