How BP Will Stop The Oil Eruption: The Top-Kill Method

BP will attempt to shut down the oil well that’s been spewing into the Gulf of Mexico later today. Step one: the “top-kill” method, illustrated here, wherein heavy drilling mud is forced deep into the well. Let’s pray it works.

Video explanation:

If the attempt is successful and the well is shut down, the whole thing will then be permanently sealed with concrete. If not – as in the case of the failed containment dome of two weeks ago – it’s back to the drawing board. And on with the devastation. [NY Times]