One-Year Anniversary of Gulf Oil Spill

One year ago, on April 20, 2010, an oil rig called Deepwater Horizon exploded and sank into the Gulf of Mexico. The oil spill that started with the explosion was the worst in U.S. history. A year after the disaster, the Gulf appears to be bouncing back–at least on the surface. Many animal populations were affected by the oil, and there is still oil in the depths of the Gulf, even if it cannot be seen on the surface. However, scientists warn that the true scope and lasting effects of the oil spill won’t be known for a long time.

Read updates on the state of the Gulf on National Geographic News.

Learn more about the 2010 Gulf Oil Spill on Green Scene.

Photograph courtesy Stephen Lehmann, U.S. Coast Guard

Comments

little paw
April 23, 2011, 12:15 pm

It is so sad seeing all those fish and unique types of life vanish in the oil spill.
Miking
April 24, 2011, 1:01 pm

Interesting. How far did the oil spill go?
doglovers45
April 25, 2011, 3:32 pm

The oil spill is very devastating. Harmless animals are dying because of the oil. I have been wondering how much oil has gone into the Gulf of Mexico? I have NO clue how hard it’s going to be to take out all the oil. How many animals have died from the oil spill? There has probably been THOUSANDS of animals dead. I’m very sad about all the animals that are dead.
happychoice
April 25, 2011, 3:32 pm

I feel soooo bad for all the animals! Are people still trying to get the oil out? if not people should try! if soo thanks for helping and keep doing it!
didi88
April 25, 2011, 5:48 pm

yeah there cleaning the ocean!!!!
whtsuppeople!!27
May 16, 2011, 2:44 pm

I feel so bad for the little animals!!!

lots had died….
mslinch01
August 22, 2011, 4:09 pm

Good article!
stephanie2
September 1, 2011, 12:44 pm

I did not like it when I heard about the oil spill… I am a big fan of animals, I love animals. I feel bad about the animals, hopefully it doesn’t happen agian.
echiu411
November 29, 2011, 6:54 pm

i feel so bad! Btw thats my bffl’s b-day! I hope it stops soon. thnx 4 helping ppl! Cheer up animals in the oil spill!
barnowl24601
January 18, 2012, 7:04 pm

Aww all those poor harmless animals!!
i feel really bad for all of them!
i wonder how much people have cleaned and how many animals died?

but soooo sad
barnowl24601
January 25, 2012, 4:17 am

To echiu411
wow your bff’s Birthday!
i feel bad for you and your friend!
oceangirl15
April 29, 2012, 1:16 pm

That oil spill was so sad. People and animals died. I wish I knew how to donate money to places that need help from natural disasters. If anyone knows how, please tell me! I wanna help! :{