If details of the geology under the spill site aren't released, an accurate assessment is impossible

[Are_grits_groceries]

<snip>
Does the Geology of the Spill Zone Make It Harder to Stop the Oil Spill?

We can't understand the big picture behind the Gulf oil spill unless we know the underwater geology of the seabed and the underlying rocks.

For example, if there is solid rock beneath the leaking pipes, with channels leading to other underground spaces, then it might be possible to seal the whole spill zone, with the oil - hopefully - oozing somewhere under the seabed so that it won't spill into the ocean.

If, on the other hand, there is hundreds of feet of sand or mud beneath the leaking pipes, then sealing the spill zone might not work, as the high-pressure oil gusher would just leak out somewhere else.

BP has never publicly released geological cross-sections of the seabed and underlying rock. BP's Initial Exploration Plan refers to "structure contour maps" and "geological cross sections", but such drawings and information are designated "proprietary information" and have been kept under wraps.

It is impossible to determine the geology from drawings publicly released by BP, such as this one:

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Specifically, if there are salt layers on the top of the seabed, with high porosity near the surface, and salt movement, then sealing the whole leak zone might not work. The oil pressure is coming up at such high pressures (more than 2,000 pounds per square inch), that sealing the leaking riser and blowout preventer might just mean the oil squirts out somewhere else nearby, if the salty, porous rock is not solid enough to contain it.

Unless the government releases details of the geology underlying the spill site, people will not have an accurate picture of the oil spill situation. And failure to release such information may prevent creative scientists from coming up with a workable solution.
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Much more here: http://www.zerohedge.com/article/big-picture-why-it-so-hard-stop-oil-gusher-and-why-was-such-extreme-deepwater-drilling-allow

Some of it is very technical, but those parts are in italics. Explanations for laymen are also included. This is one factor that hasn't been considered publicly by those in charge. If it has, not much attention has been drawn to it.

[charlesg]

1. Supposedly it's the most prized IP in the oil and gas industry

[dipsydoodle]

2. Details in here somewhere

http://energy.ihs.com/NR/rdonlyres/12D742A6-5457-4C56-8D9A-DCFC6FDE7235/0/Off1_Berman_Wilcox.pdf

[dipsydoodle]

3. I've read all of your link now as well.

:thumbsup: