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Gulf Leak Estimation: 56-84K Barrels Per Day

According to an academic from University of Purdue, the oil spill in Gulf region might have been underestimated. By his estimation, the actual rate of oil spilling from the gulf region could be anywhere between 56,000 and 84,000 barrels per day. His estimation was based on a technique, known as particle image velocimetry, which enables the flow rate to be computed from the videotape of the oil gushing out on the sea floor. With the flow rate available, he can then use the product between the flow rate and the cross sectional area of the pipe to estimate how much oil is spilling in the gulf region each day.

But hang on a minute. Do you know that Nigeria reportedly leaks nearly 11 million gallons of crude every year, with little news coverage? According to a news report published in AOL , Nigeria had more than 2,000 active spills just last year alone. Decades of oil exploration has transformed Nigeria into the world's most polluted ecosystem.

The US is currently the biggest consumer of oil in the world, with the miltrary sector being the world's biggest buyer of oil. The oil consumption rate is growing, while the oil price never appreciates to a level which reflects the reality of the actual market. Most of the oil which the US consumes comes from Kazakhstan, Angola and Nigeria -- places that are never (or very poorly) mentioned in the mainstream media.

Now, Back to the "Headline"

The so-called offshore drilling in the US has not been a concern until recently. Although the oil spill in Gulf region might have been underestimated, it is unclear whether the new estimation has factored in the wind and water current over the oil spill area. The drift of oil spill under the influence of wind and water current should in theory be taken into account. Check out this reference  for further information. Please also take a look on the following live feed: