BP has decided to proceed with what's called a "top kill" to try to stop oil from gushing into the Gulf of Mexico. The procedure will last as long as two days, said BP. The company is providing a live video feed (streamed here courtesy of ABC News). Note to viewers: Traffic spikes may affect the quality of the feed, and ABC News may temporarily cut to news conferences and other developments.
A "top kill" consists of pumping huge amounts of mud and cement into the leak in hopes of stopping it. The mud and cement will be pumped at high pressure from barges down 5,000 feet. BP has stockpiled 50,000 barrels of the manufactured mud, AP reported.
The challenge will be to pump the mud at sufficient downward pressure to counteract the upward pressure of the gushing oil. The tactic has been used in above-ground oil leaks, but never underwater.
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