Reply #43: You're right...

[SidDithers]

the dome over this source of the leak is only to contain and control the oil, which is much easier to do at the source than at the surface. It does nothing to stop the oil from gushing. But, once in place, there will be a pipe connected to the dome, rising to a tanker at the surface, which will collect the oil/water mixture pumped from inside the dome.

Secondly, if this works, they're currently contructing another dome to place over the second leak site (the third was capped earlier in the week). That will, again, help to reduce oil spilling unchecked into the Gulf waters.

Lastly, this dome, and the potential other one, are only temporary measures to help prevent the existing spill from getting bigger. They'll remain in place while the second drilling rig is drilling a relief well which will hopefully allow the gushing well to be capped, and the oil flow to stop. That process is estimated to take 2-3 months.

Sid