Fairbanks to Valdez, Alaska Canada Holiday

The 800 mile oil pipeline from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez was constructed from 1974 - 1977. It carries 1.5 million barrels of oil per day. In areas such as this where the frozen soil temperatures are near thaw point, vertical heat pipes are installed with finned radiators (seen here) that conduct heat away from the pipe. Where the permafrost (permanently frozen soil) is at high risk of melting, the pipeline is raised above ground and insulated. Where expansion or siesmic activity is likely the pipeline is zig-zagged to allow for movement.