Let me first say that CNN has a great article summarizing the whole Gulf Oil Spill situation today. However, it is still a few pages long. After reading headlines, one question kept hitting me, what is this "Top Kill" procedure?

From the article I will summarize it as this: "Top Kill" referres to a process where viscous material, twice the density of water is forced into the opening creating a clog. As the material is viscous, this is not permanent and requires finishing the job with a cement cap.

The problem lies with the fact that this procedure has never been done under water, let alone 5000 feet under water. The pressure created by the weight of the water may have a direct effect on this process. The math is still being worked out, but it looks like the procedure has about a 60 to 70% chance of working.

If it fails today, the Obama administration plans to take over the operation.