Activity One - Location

We are going to be investigating the extraction of oil in Alaska for this syllabus point. The syllabus specifically asks for a case study when looking at resource extraction and therefore you will need to collate enough information to be able to write a whole essay on it. The profit made from the oil extraction business in Alaska is more than than total made from fishing, furs, deforestation and other minerals such as copper that can be extracted. But who is impacted by the extraction? Before we look at the how and who we need to look at the where. One of the key geographical skills is to be able to draw a simple locational sketch map. 

• • • • 1. Draw a sketch map of Alaska along with the route of the pipeline.

        2. Write a description of what the landscape looks like.

        3. Why is the area classified as extreme?

Every map needs:

• • • • • • • • • Title

                • Box around the map

                • Key

                • Compass Points

                • Scale

                • Should cover at least half a page

Activity Two - Opportunities

Now you know where the pipeline is located we need to look at why the pipeline was developed. What were the key opportunities in Alaska that made the building of the pipeline a realistic opportunity? You need to consider why was it important to have access to the oil.

Activity Three - Challenges

There are many challenges for the pipeline to develop and it is not just down to the climate. Copy the table below and fill in a description of the challenges that the development of the pipeline has created.

Useful Resources