Ep 21. The Alaskan Oil Pipeline

Modern Marvels Season 4 Episode 21, "The Alaskan Oil Pipeline," explores the engineering marvel that is the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System, which transports crude oil from the Arctic Ocean to the southern coast of Alaska. The episode delves into the pipeline's construction and operation, as well as the environmental and political controversies surrounding it.

The episode begins with a brief history of the discovery of oil in Alaska and how it needed to be transported to the rest of the United States. The pipeline's construction began in 1974 and was completed three years later, with a total cost of $8 billion. The pipeline is 800 miles long, 48 inches in diameter, and made up of over 800,000 individual sections of steel pipe.

The show discusses the engineering challenges involved in constructing the pipeline. The pipeline was designed to withstand the harsh Alaskan climate, which includes extreme cold temperatures, and the possibility of earthquakes. The pipeline was elevated above the ground on vertical supports to protect it from permafrost, which could cause the ground to shift. There were also concerns about oil spills due to earthquakes, so over 80 valves were installed to shut off the pipeline in case of a rupture.

The episode also explores the environmental impact of the pipeline. The pipeline crosses three major mountain ranges and hundreds of streams and rivers, including the environmentally sensitive areas of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and the Prince William Sound. Critics of the pipeline fear that a spill could cause significant environmental damage to these areas. The episode also highlights the impact of the pipeline on wildlife, with a focus on caribou and how their migration patterns have been affected.

The episode also covers the politics surrounding the pipeline. The pipeline requires a steady supply of crude oil to be profitable, which has led to numerous debates about drilling in Alaska's protected areas. There have also been disputes over the revenue generated by the pipeline, with native Alaskans claiming they have not received their fair share of the profits.

The show provides a comprehensive look at the maintenance of the pipeline and why it is crucial to keep it in good condition. The pipeline requires constant upkeep and monitoring, with regular inspections of the steel pipes and the oil flowing through them. The pipeline is also subject to corrosion, so it must be coated with a protective layer to prevent leaks.

Overall, "The Alaskan Oil Pipeline" of Modern Marvels is an informative and interesting look at an engineering marvel that has significantly impacted both the Alaskan environment and the United States energy industry as a whole. The episode does not shy away from the controversies and debates surrounding the pipeline and offers a balanced view of its impact.