Hydraulic fracturing

Definition

Hydraulic fracturing, often referred to as 'fracking,' is a technique used to extract natural gas and oil from underground rock formations by injecting high-pressure fluid to create fractures. This process increases the permeability of the rock, allowing hydrocarbons to flow more freely to the wellbore. Fracking has significantly impacted energy production and discussions surrounding resource sustainability, environmental effects, and economic viability.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hydraulic fracturing involves injecting a mixture of water, sand, and chemicals at high pressure to create fractures in rock formations.
2. The process can increase the yield of oil and gas wells significantly, making previously inaccessible reserves viable for extraction.
3. Concerns surrounding fracking include potential groundwater contamination, induced seismicity (earthquakes), and high water usage.
4. In recent years, regulatory measures have been implemented in various regions to address environmental impacts associated with hydraulic fracturing.
5. Fracking has played a crucial role in transforming the energy landscape in the U.S., contributing to a significant increase in domestic oil and gas production.

Review Questions

• How does hydraulic fracturing enhance the extraction of natural resources compared to traditional methods?
  • Hydraulic fracturing enhances resource extraction by creating fractures in rock formations that increase permeability. Traditional methods may struggle with accessing deep or tight formations where oil and gas are trapped. By injecting high-pressure fluids, fracking allows hydrocarbons to flow more easily to the wellbore, significantly improving the efficiency and volume of extraction compared to conventional drilling techniques.
• What are some environmental concerns associated with hydraulic fracturing, and how are they being addressed?
  • Environmental concerns related to hydraulic fracturing include potential groundwater contamination from chemicals used in the fracking fluid, excessive water usage leading to shortages, and induced seismicity resulting from changes in subsurface pressure. To address these issues, regulations have been established that require disclosure of chemical usage, monitoring of water sources, and limits on water withdrawal. Additionally, best practices for waste disposal and well integrity are being emphasized to mitigate environmental risks.
• Evaluate the economic implications of hydraulic fracturing on local communities and the broader energy market.
  • Hydraulic fracturing has significant economic implications for local communities by creating jobs in drilling, transportation, and services while boosting local economies through increased investment. However, it can also lead to boom-and-bust cycles that leave communities vulnerable once resources are depleted. In the broader energy market, fracking has contributed to lower energy prices and reduced dependence on foreign oil; however, it has also sparked debates about sustainability and long-term resource management as concerns over environmental impacts continue to grow.

Related terms

shale gas: Natural gas that is found trapped within shale formations, often extracted using hydraulic fracturing methods.

reservoir: A subsurface pool of hydrocarbons contained in porous or fractured rock formations, which can be tapped into for energy extraction.

water management: The process of managing water resources in hydraulic fracturing, which includes sourcing, usage, and disposal of water used in fracking operations.