The Trans-Alaska Pipeline is a major oil pipeline that stretches approximately 800 miles from Prudhoe Bay in northern Alaska to Valdez, a port city in the south. Completed in 1977, it was built to transport crude oil extracted from the North Slope of Alaska. The pipeline is a crucial part of the United States' energy infrastructure, allowing for the efficient movement of oil to markets. The pipeline is designed to withstand harsh Arctic conditions, including extreme cold and seismic activity. It features a series of pumps and valves to maintain the flow of oil and is elevated in many areas to prevent melting permafrost from affecting its stability. The project has had significant economic and environmental impacts, sparking discussions about energy policy and conservation.