• Question: hi im wondering what is your main thing you have to do every day at work

    Asked by barnickel010 to Sarah on 13 Jun 2011.
    • Photo: Sarah Cook

      Sarah Cook answered on 13 Jun 2011:

      Hi barnickel010,
      Today I have been analysing the chemicals required to drill an oil exploration well in the Faulkland Islands and looking at the toxicity levels in the marine environment. I then spoke to the drilling operator to discuss alternative chemicals that could substitute some of the more harmful chemicals that were due to be used. Also looking at disposal methods to reduce the environmental impact.

      Tomorrow I’m due to carry out some oil spill modelling where we assume that a well has had a blow out and say 500 tonnes of oil is leaking from a well. I will look at wind data, tidal data and use a geographical computer system (GIS) to model how long it will take for the oil to reach the beach.

      It is then up to me to propose appropriate contingency measures in place to ensure the worst case scenario is planned for.

      Although its difficult to say what a typical day, these examples are what I mainly do at work.

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