Oil Extraction's Ecological Footprint in Coastal Angola: A Sedimentologic and Stratigraphic Perspective

Oil extraction in coastal Angola has expanded significantly over recent years, posing challenges to marine and coastal ecosystems. The environmental impact assessment is crucial for understanding these effects. Sediment cores were collected from multiple sites affected by ongoing oil operations. These samples were analysed using a combination of petrographic techniques and geochemical analyses to assess environmental impacts. A significant increase in the proportion of hydrocarbon-derived sediments (30%) was observed at impacted sites compared to pre-extraction levels, indicating substantial contamination from oil spills and leaks. The findings suggest that effective monitoring and mitigation strategies are essential for preserving marine biodiversity in Angola's coastal regions. It is recommended that stricter regulations be implemented to minimise environmental degradation and enhance ecosystem resilience. oil extraction, sedimentology, Angola, ecological footprint The empirical specification follows $Y=\beta_0+\beta^\top X+\varepsilon$, and inference is reported with uncertainty-aware statistical criteria.