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Offshore drilling involves extracting underground fossil fuel resources which lie underwater near a shoreline. This form of drilling normally operates around oil extraction off of the coast of continents.
Rigs
To carry out the process of offshore drilling special ships, called rigs, have to be employed to perform the task. Drillships, semisubmersible rigs, and jackup barges are some of the primary types of rigs that are used in offshore drilling.
Platforms
Production platforms are permanent offshore drilling structures. Primarily constructed in an area that is abundant in fuel deposits, some platforms are so big they resemble miniature cities more than drilling apparatuses.
Extracted Fuels
Oil and natural gas are at the heart of the offshore drilling process. These two types of fossil fuels are needed to fuel American economy since they compromise at least 50 percent of the nation's current fueling usage.
Environment
Offshore drilling poses risks to the immediate environment because fossil based fuels don't necessarily mix well with the surrounding ecosystems. Crude oil is extremely hard to remove from the environment, so offshore drilling management must ensure that they are following federal protocol when extracting this fuel to minimize the risks.
Perspective
The massive fuel needs of the United States economy make offshore drilling of vital importance to the economy. The independence from foreign fuel sources is an essential objective of the government, and offshore drilling helps to achieve this directive.
Source:
Energy Information Administration: Offshore Activity
House Plan for Offshore Drilling
Exploration and Production magazine: Drilling Technology
Resource:
Oil Gas Glossary
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