What is Hydraulic fracturing?
Hydraulic fracturing is the propagation of fractures in a rock layer, as a result of the action of a pressurized fluid. Some hydraulic fractures form naturally—certain veins or dikes are examples—and can create conduits along which gas and petroleum from source rocks may migrate to reservoir rocks. Induced hydraulic fracturing or hydro-fracking, commonly known as fracking, is a technique used to release petroleum, natural gas (including shale gas, tight gas, and coal seam gas), or other substances for extraction. This type of fracturing creates fractures from a drilled into reservoir rock formations.
This process was first used commercially by Halliburton in 1949. It involves injecting millions of gallons of water, mixed with sand and chemicals, deep into the ground at high pressure in order to break up dense shale rock formations and release trapped natural gas to the surface.
Geology: Mechanics, veins, dikes (High-level minor intrusions such as dikes propagate through the crust in the form of fluid-filled cracks, although in this case the fluid is magma. In sedimentary rocks with a significant water content the fluid at the propagating fracture tip will be steam.)
Environmental impact: Hydraulic fracturing has raised environmental concerns and is challenging the adequacy of existing regulatory regimes. These concerns have included
ground water contamination, risks to air quality, migration of gases and hydraulic fracturing chemicals to the surface, mishandling of waste, and the health effects of all these.
(Effects -> Water contamination, agricultural production, water use, consumer confidence, rural communities)
The UT study described the environmental impact of each part of the hydraulic fracturing process, which included:
(i) Drill pad construction and operation
(ii) Injection of the fluid once it is underground
(iii) Integrity of other pipelines involved
(iv) Disposal of the flowback
How does a real hydrofracking site look like? The above picture shows.
Specific process of hrdrofracking:
To begin, the drilling company sets up the dill site by cutting down any surrounding trees and ground cover, most likely build an access road and rig, set up their necessary equipment, and truck in water, prop pant, and chemicals.
After the drill site has been set up and prepared, the drill bores a well downward and then horizontally for up to 8,000 feet in each direction. While the drill bears downward, it will drill through the natural aquifer, or water table.
We ban hydrofracking because it is inherently unsafe and we cannot rely on regulation to protect communities’ water, air, and public health.
This is a two minute video about hydrofracking:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urj3EqhZ5U8
(ENJOY!)
Don’t you think that the government is a bit careless about the dangers of hydraulic fracturing ?
Very Informative! Love the picture!
Well organized, clear, and detailed. You explained the more important details. Love the video!!!