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Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill (2010) - Coggle Diagram
Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill (2010)
The Source of Pollution
April 20, 2010 explosion on BP-leased rig in Gulf of Mexico.
Faulty cement seal (by Halliburton) allowed gas surge, triggering blast.
The Affected Regions or Countries
United States
Louisiana
Mississippi
Alabama
Florida
Texas
Mexico
Cuba
International Waters
Environmental and Human Impacts
Human Impacts
Blowout preventer (BOP) failed, killing 11 workers.
Health Effects: Cleanup workers and coastal residents reported respiratory issues, skin rashes, and long-term illnesses from oil and chemical dispersants.
Economic Devastation:
Fisheries collapsed – Gulf seafood industry lost $2.5 billion; many fishermen unemployed.
Tourism decline – Beaches closed; hotels and businesses suffered major losses.
Mental health crisis – Anxiety, depression, and PTSD surged in affected communities.
Displacement & Loss – Coastal residents faced property damage, lost livelihoods, and forced relocations.
Environmental Impacts
Marine life devastation – Dolphins, sea turtles, and birds died in record numbers; fish larvae showed deformities.
Long-term damage – Oil remained on the seafloor, disrupting ecosystems for years.
Coral reefs & wetlands – Critical habitats suffered long-lasting harm, reducing biodiversity.
Possible Solutions or Actions
Legal Consequences
BP pleaded guilty (14 charges, $4.5B fines).
Halliburton, Transocean also fined.
No prison sentences for executives.
Aftermath
Drilling moratorium lifted in 2010; regulations tightened.
10 years later, PAH contamination still found in fish.