Hydraulic fracturing
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This article originated from the Critical Issues Program authored by the American Geosciences Institute. To learn more about AGI or the Critical Issues Program, visit http://www.americangeosciences.org/critical-issues. |
Hydraulic fracturing opens narrow cracks in rock layers in order to allow oil, gas, or water to flow through the rock. During hydraulic fracturing, pressurized fluid is injected through a well into a subsurface rock layer in order to open the fractures. Hydraulic fracturing requires large volumes of water mixed with chemicals and proppants (often sand, used to "prop" open the fractures). These fluids must be recycled or disposed of in deep wells, separate from local water tables.[1]
Contents
Why does hydraulic fracturing matter?
In combination with horizontal drilling and other technological advances, hydraulic fracturing has allowed for the extraction of large, previously inaccessible reserves of gas (such as shale gas and tight gas) and oil in the United States. While the technique has been used for more than 60 years, its wider application with horizontal drilling over the last decade has led to public debate over its benefits and risks.
How does geoscience help inform decisions about the use of hydraulic fracturing in energy development?
Geoscientists identify energy resources (such as shale gas, tight gas, and tight oil) that can be extracted using the combination of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing. Others study the environmental impacts of the entire oil and gas extraction process, from well drilling to hydraulic fracturing to the disposal of waste waters.
Introductory resources
- Critical Issue: Hydraulic Fracturing, Geological Society of America
- This peer-reviewed report provides a thoroughly researched overview of hydraulic fracturing. Defines hydraulic fracturing, discusses its role in energy development, and addresses potential environmental issues associated with the use of the technology.
Frequent questions
- How much water does the typical hydraulically fractured well require?
- How and where is the waste hydraulic fracturing fluid disposed?
- What environmental issues are associated with hydraulic fracturing?
- Does hydraulic fracturing cause earthquakes?
References
- ↑ Fracturing Fluid Management, Frac Focus, http://fracfocus.org/hydraulic-fracturing-how-it-works/drilling-risks-safeguards
See also
- Hydraulic Fracturing Basics, American Geosciences Institute
- The Leading Edge, June 2015: Special section: Injection-induced seismicity
- Coal
- Geothermal energy
- Nuclear energy
- Oil and gas
- Renewable energy
External links
| find literature about Hydraulic fracturing |
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