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Let’s break down the details. Granted, the current worst-case scenarios could be way off. But if they’re remotely accurate (again, not a certainty), then the BP spill is still dwarfed by the Ixtoc spill.

Ixtoc also occurred in the Gulf of Mexico–but in that case, wind and currents managed to contain the damage. And it wasn’t nearly as close to sensitive coastlines. Which is precisely the problem with the BP oil spill. Because of where it occurred, clean up and damages will likely reach unsurpassed totals:Ixtoc also occurred in the Gulf of Mexico–but in that case, wind and currents managed to contain the damage. And it wasn’t nearly as close to sensitive coastlines. Which is precisely the problem with the BP oil spill. Because of where it occurred, clean up and damages will likely reach unsurpassed totals:

As to the environmental impacts, we simply don’t know yet. Some have estimated that it willtake years to clean up the spill thanks to the use of dispersants that have simply diffused the oil over more area–and we may see after effects of the disaster for generations to come.

fast times hosts other cool oil spill related infographics

BP’s Horrifying Safety Record

The Physics of Oil Spills

Everything We Know About the BP Spill

The Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill’s Impact, Part 2