North Slope of Alaska: Major Oil & Gas Reservoirs

The North Slope of Alaska holds vast quantities of crude oil and natural gas. The crown jewel is the Prudhoe Bay Oil Field—one of the largest in North America—discovered in 1968.

Infrastructure

Hydrocarbons are transported 800 miles via the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS) to Valdez for tanker shipment. The pipeline, completed in 1977, remains critical to U.S. domestic energy supply.

Economic & Environmental Significance

• Major revenue source for Alaska (dividends to residents via Permanent Fund).
• Strategic for U.S. energy security.
• Ongoing debates over further development (e.g., ANWR) vs. Arctic conservation.