On a seemingly regular basis, the nation's newspapers and television screens are wallpapered with vivid images of tankers spilling crude oil, also known as petroleum, and oil soaked sea birds in various stages of death and decay. ... In many cases involving tankers, offshore wells, and other deep-sea spills, a sizable portion of the oil catches fire. ... "The famous "Exxon Valdez" oil spill in Alaska's Prince William Sound resulted in the deaths of 15,000 otters, predominantly as a result of ingesting oil." ...

• Word Count: 1820
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: Undergraduate