Fracking, also known as hydraulic fracturing, is the process of drilling a mix of water and chemicals into the earth in a high pressure which basically cracks a rock layer releasing gas out of the head of the well. From my research, I read that fracking is considered a “profitable extraction”. BBC.com describes fracking as “a technique designed to recover gas and oil from shale rock.” There are many mixed feelings when it comes to fracking, some view it as an economic savior while others believe that it is destroying health. With that being said there are a couple of pros and cons to fracking.
*picture from BBC.com*
Pros:
- Has significantly boosted domestic oil production and driven down gas prices in the US
- Allows drilling firms to access difficult-to-reach resources of oil and gas.
Cons:
- Can be considered unhealthy and toxic
- Can cause small earth tremors
- Releases Uranium
- Fracking chemicals are dangerous
Resources:
https://www.earthworksaction.org/issues/detail/hydraulic_fracturing_101#.VgS_X7SKzww
http://marmapoints.org/fracking-the-basics
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-14432401
http://www.rodalewellness.com/health/fracking-1