CHESAPEAKE CREATURES

AND OIL SPILLSMathematics & Science Center

PRESENTSPhoto: NOAA

What are some ways that humans have changed the natural environment?

• Largest spill in U.S. history

• Exxon Valdez • March 24, 1989• 11 million gallons

of oil spilled = enough to fill 9 school gyms!!

Photo: NOAA

DENSITY OF OIL

• Where does it go?

• Float or sink?

• Clumps or spreads out?

OIL ON THE MOVE

Photo: NOAA

IMPACTS OF OIL SPILLS

• What living organisms are affected by oil spills?

• What are the basic needs of these organisms?

Photo: EPA Photo: EPA

Those most affected…

Photo: Office of Response and Restoration / NOAA

Photo: U.S. Fish and Wildlife

Photo: NOAAPhoto:www.nurseminerva.co.uk/adaptf/eathers.htm

Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI)

Let’s Practice…

• Group

• Type of Organism

• Number of different species

• Active Seasons

ALERT!!!!An oil spill occurred on January 15!The oil spread quickly and reached land within

24 hours.You must act quickly to save the organisms

living in the area!!!

Report from the Wildlife Oil Recovery Team

Which organisms will be needing assistance from the recovery team?

Photo: NOAA

CLEANING THE RECOVERED WILDLIFE

How can birds from oil spill accidents be helped?

Photo: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Photo: U.S. Fish and Wildlife

How do water and oil affect bird feathers?

How do water and oil affect bird feathers?

How do water and oil affect bird feathers?

YOUR TURN!

What is the best way to clean birds after an oil spill?

Photo: U.S. Fish and Wildlife

CLEANING METHODS

• Water

• Paper Towels

• Dish Washing Detergent

Your hypothesis…

FEATHER CLEANLINESS SCALE

Rank 1 •Oil felt •Feather translucent •Clumps together

Rank 2•Oil felt •Not translucent •Clumps together

Rank 3 •No oil felt •Not translucent •Down clumps together

Rank 4 •No oil felt •Not translucent •Entire feather is fluffy

OILY FEATHER ------------------------------------------------ WET FEATHER

RESULTS

Which method would you recommend that the wildlife recovery team use?

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Photos courtesy of:

U.S Environmental Protection Agency

U.S. Fish and Wildlife

Office of Response and Restoration, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration