Seismic Fears: UK govt allows super-polluting fracking technology
Hydraulic fracturing is the propagation of fractures in a rock layer, by a pressurized fluid. Some hydraulic fractures form naturally—certain veins or dikes are examples—and can create conduits along which gas andpetroleum from source rocks may migrate to reservoir rocks. Induced hydraulic fracturing orhydrofracking, commonly known as fraccing or fracking, is a technique used to release petroleum, natural gas (including shale gas, tight gas, and coal seam gas), or other substances for extraction.[a][1] This type of fracturing creates fractures from a wellbore drilled into reservoir rock formations.
The first use of hydraulic fracturing was in 1947 but the modern fracking technique, called horizontal slickwater fracking,[2] that made the extraction of shale gas economical was first used in 1998 in the Barnett Shale in Texas.[1][3][4] The energy from the injection of a highly pressurized fracking fluid creates new channels in the rock, which can increase the extraction rates and ultimate recovery of hydrocarbons.
Proponents of fracking point to the economic benefits from vast amounts of formerly inaccessiblehydrocarbons the process can extract.[5] Opponents point to potential environmental impacts, including contamination of ground water, risks to air quality, the migration of gases and hydraulic fracturing chemicals to the surface, surface contamination from spills and flowback and the health effects of these.[6] For these reasons hydraulic fracturing has come under scrutiny internationally, with some countries suspending or even banning it.[7][8]
Seismic Fears: UK govt allows super-polluting fracking technology
The UK government has given the green-light to the resumption of the controversial gas-drilling technique, known as fracking – READ MORE http://on.rt.com/n23uti
But the method’s heavily criticised for its destructive environmental impact, including causing massive water pollution and even earthquakes.
If you liked this story don’t forget to hit the RECOMMEND CONTRIBUTOR button at the top of the page so that I can bring you more stories like this. I don’t get paid and it is a way to say thanks. All comments are welcome too. Thanks so much!!!
