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Design Your Own Oil Pumpjack

Background Info/ Historical Story:

The Williston Basin is a region in Canada, North Dakota, South Dakota, and eastern Montana that contains a vast reserve of oil. Gas was discovered in the Williston Basin in 1913 and oil was discovered in 1936, forever transforming the economy of the area, especially in recent years with new technologies such as fracking.

Also in 1936, oil in Baker, MT, which is in the Cedar Creek Anticline portion of the Williston Basin, was discovered. The oil industry has sustained small towns in this area through booms and busts for nearly 100 years. Before the discovery of oil, these towns were established because of the cattle industry and many were connected by the railroad. Today, North Dakota is the second-highest oil-producing state below Texas, thanks to the Williston Basin. The Cedar Creek Anticline is about 100 miles long and 10 miles wide. Since 1936, approximately 350 wells have been drilled.

The entire Williston Basin produces approximately 1 million barrels per day. One barrel of oil can be used to make half gasoline, 12% jet fuel, 2% asphalt, 1% lubricants, and 35% other products. It can also be used to make a remarkable range of raw materials from its diverse hydrocarbons, including plastic, rubber, makeup, detergents, nylon, wax, medicines, fabrics, paint, foam, ink, electronics, etc. Most of these materials do not biodegrade, which has caused a significant issue with pollution, but these products are also ubiquitous to human life.

 - Linda Rost

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