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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

The Gulf War and the environment

Book ·
OSTI ID:6571885
 [1];  [2]
  1. ed.; Boston Univ., MA (United States). Center for Remote Sensing
  2. ed.; World Bank, Washington, DC (United States)
The Gulf War inflicted dramatic environmental damage upon the fragile desert and shore environments of Kuwait and northeastern Saudi Arabia. Coastal and marine environments experienced oil spills of more than 8 million barrels, which killed wildlife and damaged the fishing industry. In inland Kuwait, hundreds of oil lakes are scattered across the desert surface: these lakes emit noxious gases, drown insects and birds, and may seep to pollute groundwater. Exploding and burning oil wells released soot particles, oil droplets, and noxious chemicals into the atmosphere, spreading air pollution, acid rain, and respiratory problems. Military diggings, constructions, and vehicles have destroyed much of the desert pavement, resulting in increased dust storms and large, moving dunes.
OSTI ID:
6571885
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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