Fracking....a geological process to get more natural gas from the subsurface
Generally speaking fracking
is the process of using a water solution under high pressure to fracture shale
formation in order to extract natural gas and oil.
The Topic: Hydrofracking
The water - sand - chemical solution is injected into the
shale formation and used to separate layers of shale from one another. Once
these crevices have been forced open natural gas and oil can escape from the
shale and be captured for fuel.
Conservationists are concerned with the wastewater polluting
the waters supply. The industry is in favor of using this technique because it
opens up new sources of fuel for North America.
The Process:
Natural gas or energy companies will drill down deep into the
rock formation and allow small explosions to start the initial fracking. Once
the shale is broken up natural gas and brine will begin to seep out. The water
- sand - chemical solution is then pumped into the newly opened fissures to
keep them open and fracture the shale layers further.
Conservationists are again concerned with the potentially
carcinogenic chemicals leaching into groundwater. Some scientists are also
concerned with the potential for small earth tremors due to the fracturing
process.
Overall - Good idea of Bad idea
The energy industry of course believes this fracking
process is necessary in order to increase production of natural gas and oil in
America, creating jobs and increasing our energy independence...
Environmentalists believe that the potential for groundwater
contamination is too great a risk for some extra natural gas or oil.....
So there you have it....energy independence is very
important, but the potential for groundwater contamination is a major concern.
Perhaps as the process continues these industries will alter
their process to capture and limit the potential for contamination.
