Fracking

Definition

Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, is a method used to extract natural gas and oil from deep underground by injecting high-pressure fluid into rock formations. This process creates fractures in the rock, allowing fossil fuels to flow more freely to the surface. While fracking has significantly increased the availability of fossil fuels, it has also raised concerns about environmental impacts, water contamination, and seismic activity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Fracking has revolutionized the energy industry by increasing domestic oil and natural gas production, especially in the United States.
2. The process requires large volumes of water, which can strain local water supplies and impact surrounding ecosystems.
3. Concerns have been raised about potential groundwater contamination from chemicals used in the fracking fluid.
4. Fracking has been linked to an increase in seismic activity, as the injection of wastewater into deep wells can trigger small earthquakes.
5. Many states and countries have implemented regulations or bans on fracking due to environmental concerns and public opposition.

Review Questions

• How does fracking change the landscape of fossil fuel extraction compared to traditional methods?
  • Fracking represents a significant shift in fossil fuel extraction techniques by enabling access to previously unreachable reserves of natural gas and oil locked within shale formations. Unlike traditional drilling methods that primarily accessed surface-level resources, fracking utilizes high-pressure fluids to fracture rock deep underground, allowing for increased production rates. This method not only boosts domestic energy supplies but also raises environmental concerns that weren't as prevalent with conventional extraction methods.
• Evaluate the environmental concerns associated with fracking and discuss potential regulatory measures that could mitigate these risks.
  • Fracking poses several environmental risks, including potential groundwater contamination from chemicals in hydraulic fluid and increased seismic activity due to wastewater injection. To address these concerns, regulatory measures could include stricter monitoring of water quality near fracking sites, mandatory disclosure of chemical ingredients used in hydraulic fluids, and limitations on water usage during drought conditions. By implementing these measures, the negative impacts of fracking could be better managed while still allowing for fossil fuel extraction.
• Assess the implications of increased fracking on global energy markets and climate change initiatives.
  • The rise of fracking has led to a significant boost in fossil fuel production, particularly natural gas, which has affected global energy markets by lowering prices and shifting supply dynamics. This increase in availability may undermine climate change initiatives aimed at reducing reliance on fossil fuels, as cheaper natural gas can compete with renewable energy sources. Additionally, the environmental concerns linked to fracking could lead to greater public resistance against fossil fuel dependency, pushing governments to accelerate investments in sustainable energy alternatives to meet climate goals.

Related terms

Hydraulic Fluid: A mixture of water, sand, and chemicals used in fracking to create pressure and facilitate the fracturing of rock formations.

Natural Gas: A fossil fuel primarily composed of methane, which is often extracted through fracking and used as an energy source.

Seismic Activity: The frequency and intensity of earthquakes in a region, which can be influenced by activities such as fracking and wastewater injection.