Why do some oil wells stand out in the ocean?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why do some oil wells stand out in the ocean?

The Big Idea

Out in the ocean, some giant structures stand on tall legs. They are oil platforms! Why are they out at sea?

Oil Below

Step one: Oil Below. Some oil lies in rock far below the sea floor. To reach it, workers build an offshore platform.

The Platform

Step two: The Platform. The platform sits on legs or floats and is held in place by strong anchors. Workers live and work on it.

Drilling

Step three: Drilling. A drill runs down through the water and deep into the rock. Oil flows up pipes to the platform and is carried away by ships or pipelines.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! A helipad brings workers. A drill tower reaches down. Legs stand on the sea floor. Ships carry oil away.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Some platforms are taller than skyscrapers when you count the legs under the water. Off Newfoundland, platforms work in icy water. Platform workers practice safety drills often. Workers often fly to the platform by helicopter.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Draw an offshore platform. Label the legs, the drill, and the pipes. Add a helipad. Write one safety rule for the workers. Share your drawing with a grown-up.

Outro

Some oil wells stand in the ocean because oil lies in rock below the sea floor. Platforms on legs or anchored floats drill down, and oil flows up pipes to ships or pipelines. Science is amazing! Keep wondering and keep exploring! Share what you learned with someone at home, and see what they think! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!