Definition of Fracking
Fracking, short for hydraulic fracturing, is an advanced drilling technique used primarily in oil and gas extraction to increase the production of a well. The process involves injecting a high-pressure fluid mixture into subterranean rock formations to create fractures. These fractures allow natural oil and gas to flow more freely from the rock pores to the production wells.
Fracking fluids are typically composed of water, sand, and various chemical additives. The sand holds the fissures open, while the chemical additives optimize the fracking process and prevent environmental harm. Despite its economic benefits, fracking is controversial due to environmental concerns, including air and water pollution and the potential for inducing seismic activity.
Examples
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Marcellus Shale, Pennsylvania: The Marcellus Shale is one of the largest sources of natural gas in the United States, where fracking has significantly enhanced gas production. Concerns about groundwater and air quality have led to stringent state-level regulatory measures.
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Barnett Shale, Texas: The Barnett Shale saw a boom in natural gas production thanks to fracking. However, it has also been the focal point of debates over air emissions and potential drinking water contamination.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are the environmental concerns associated with fracking?
A: The major environmental concerns include groundwater contamination, air pollution from volatile organic compounds used in fracking fluids, and increased seismic activity due to the deep injection of fluids.
Q: How does the EPA regulate fracking?
A: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has regulations in place since 2012 that control the release of toxic substances into the air during fracking operations. Groundwater contamination regulations are typically enforced by state authorities.
Q: Is fracking safe?
A: While fracking is considered efficient and lucrative for energy production, its safety is disputed. Proponents argue it occurs far beneath groundwater supplies, minimizing contamination risks. Meanwhile, some studies and reports have found hazardous chemicals in drinking water near fracking sites.
Related Terms
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Horizontal Drilling: A drilling process that involves first drilling vertically to a certain depth and then drilling horizontally, increasing exposure to the oil or gas-bearing rock formation.
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Shale Gas: Natural gas that is found trapped within shale formations. Fracking has made it possible to economically extract significant quantities of shale gas.
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Proppant: A solid material, often sand, injected into fractures to keep them open, thus facilitating the extraction of hydrocarbons.
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Induced Seismicity: Earthquakes resulting from human activities such as mining or hydraulic fracturing.
Online Resources
- EPA Hydraulic Fracturing Regulations
- US Energy Information Administration (EIA) on Hydraulic Fracturing
- Fractracker Alliance: An organization that collects, interprets, and shares data about oil and gas infrastructure.
References
- “The Environmental Impacts of Hydraulic Fracturing,” Multiple authors, Environmental Science & Technology, Link to Paper
- “Shale Gas: Reaching New Depths,” Daniel Yergin, Harvard Business Review, Link to Article
- “Fractured Communities: Risks of Fracking in Britain,” Overfield and Heyer, Environmental Research Letters, Link to Paper
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The Boom: How Fracking Ignited the American Energy Revolution and Changed the World” by Russell Gold
- “Under the Surface” by Tom Wilber
- “Fractured: America’s Role in Regenerating a Broken World” by Kashmir Hill
