Today I saw one of the greatest engineering feats ever: the Trans-Alaskan Pipeline System (TAPS) or, as it is called in the "lower 48", the Alaska pipeline.
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Here in Alaska, it is often referred to as the Alyeska pipeline, after the company that built and maintains it. It is 800 miles long, stretching from Prudoe Bay on Alaska's north slope, to the port of Vladez on Prince William Sound. It has successfully moved about 15 billion barrels of oil to date! The company take safety and environmental responsibility very seriously.
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Check The Alyeska Pipeline Company site for fascinating pipeline facts! Can you find the answers to these questions?
- Why are parts of the pipeline above ground?
- Why does the pipeline zig zag?
- Why was Valdez chosen as the port city for oil distribution?
- How many mountain ranges and rivers does the pipeline cross?
and for the dedicated: 5. What is a telluric current and why does the Alyeska Pipeline Company need to be concerned with it?
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Gerty Ward says, see you soon!