What is Hydraulic Fracturing?

Hydraulic fracturing, also called “fracking”, is used to extract natural gas, oil, and other resources from shale rock formations.

This process injects water, sand, and chemicals under high pressure into the well to create tiny fractures in the shale rock and release the resources.

History of Hydraulic Fracturing

The first use of hydraulic fracturing traces back to the 1940s. The process was not used extensively until 2003.

The expansion of the process began when energy companies started to explore retrieving natural gas in shale formations in places like Maryland, Pennsylvania, Texas, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

In 2004, the Environmental Protection Agency conducted a landmark study and found that fracking does not threaten underground drinking water supplies.

Shortly afterward, fracking was exempted from the Safe Drinking Water Act by the Bush administration in the Energy Policy Act of 2005.

How Does Hydraulic Fracturing Work?

To understand how hydraulic fracturing works, it is vital to understand what shale gas and oil are. Shale gas and oil are hydrocarbons in dense rock formations called shale. Fracking extracts these resources from the shale.

The first step in the fracking process is to drill a well into the shale rock formation. When the well is drilled, a perforating gun is inserted into the well and fired, creating tiny fractures in the shale rock.

Next, a slurry of water, sand, and chemicals is injected into the well at high pressure. This creates even more fractures in the shale and releases the gas or oil. The fluid used to hydraulic fracture the well is called fracking fluid.

The fracking fluid is a mix of water, sand, and chemicals known as carcinogens.

The purpose of the fracking fluid is to create tiny fractures in the shale rock and release the resources. The fracking fluid also helps to lubricate the well and carry the sand and gas or oil to the surface.

The amount of water used in fracking depends on the location. In general, about 2-5 million gallons of water are used per fracturing job.

Risks of Hydraulic Fracturing

Hydraulic fracturing is a controversial process because of the potential risks it poses to the environment.

These risks include water depletion, water contamination, air pollution, earthquakes, and environmental degradation.

Water Depletion

The most significant risk posed by fracking is water depletion. Fracking requires a lot of water – about 2-5 million gallons per job.

This can place pressure on local water supplies, especially in areas that already experience water shortages.

Water Contamination

The use of fracking fluid can also contaminate water supplies. The fracking fluid is a mix of water, sand, and chemicals known as carcinogens.

Some of the chemicals used in fracking fluid are known carcinogens and can harm human health. If the fracking fluid is not adequately contained, it can contaminate groundwater supplies and cause severe environmental damage.

Air Pollution

Fracking also poses a risk of air pollution. The process of fracking emits a variety of pollutants, including nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, volatile organic compounds, and particulate matter.

These pollutants can result in health problems, including respiratory illnesses, heart disease, and asthma.

Earthquakes

Fracking can cause earthquakes. The injection of fracking fluid into the well creates tiny fractures in the shale rock. These fractures can extend deep into the earth, and when they do, they can cause earthquakes.

Environmental Degradation

Fracking can lead to environmental degradation. The process of hydraulic fracturing releases pollutants into the air and water.

These pollutants can contaminate soil and groundwater and cause severe environmental damage.

Hydraulic Fracturing in the United States

Based on the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), there has been a 1,204 percent increase in hydraulically fractured wells in the United States.

In 2015, hydraulically fractured wells were responsible for 51 percent of U.S. crude oil production and 67 percent of U.S. natural gas production.

Advocates of fracking assert that the practice produces economic benefits, such as jobs, lower energy prices, economic growth, and higher tax revenue.

Opponents of fracking claim that its environmental impacts, including air pollution and potential effects on water resources, justify increased state and/or federal regulation.

Alternatives to Hydraulic Fracturing

There are a number of alternatives to fracking that can extract shale gas and oil.

One alternative is called pad drilling. Pad drilling involves drilling multiple wells on a single pad. This reduces the amount of land needed for drilling and the amount of water that is used.

Another alternative is to use carbon capture and storage. Carbon capture and storage involve capturing the carbon dioxide emissions from the well and storing them underground.

This reduces the number of pollutants emitted into the air.

Final Thoughts

Hydraulic fracturing is a controversial process that has the potential to harm the environment.

There are several risks associated with fracking, including water depletion, water contamination, air pollution, earthquakes, and environmental degradation.

There are a number of alternatives to hydraulic fracturing that can be used to extract shale gas and oil.

FAQs

1. What is hydraulic fracturing?

It is the process of extracting shale gas and oil. Hydraulic fracturing involves the injection of fracking fluid into the well, which creates tiny fractures in the shale rock. These fractures can extend deep into the earth, and when they do, they can cause earthquakes.

2. What are the risks of hydraulic fracturing?

The risks correlated with hydraulic fracturing include water depletion, water contamination, air pollution, earthquakes, and environmental degradation.

3. What is fracking fluid?

It is a combination of sand, water, and other chemicals that are known carcinogens.

4. What are the alternatives to hydraulic fracturing?

There are a number of alternatives to hydraulic fracturing that can be used to extract shale gas and oil. One alternative is pad drilling, which involves drilling multiple wells on a single pad. Another alternative is carbon capture and storage, which consists of capturing the carbon dioxide emissions from the well and storing them underground.

5. How does hydraulic fracturing work?

Hydraulic fracturing works by injecting fracking fluid into the well, creating tiny fractures in the shale rock. These fractures can extend deep into the earth, and when they do, they can cause earthquakes.