Hydraulic FracturingBeau Greiner

Natural Gas

• The term “natural gas” generally refers to methane gas

• It is advertised as a “clean” fossil fuel• The use of natural gas has been expanding in

the United States since the 1950s• Many of the natural gas reserves in the U.S.

are locked in deposits of Shale, a sedimentary rock

“Fracking”: The Process

• Oil companies have recently expanded the use of Hydraulic Fracturing to remove the natural gas from Shale deposits

• The process involves pumping water, chemicals, and sand down a well, and into fissures in the rock

Where can hydraulic fracturing be used?

Yes No Sometimes

Oil x

Natural Gas x

Coal x

• Involves the use of explosive charges

• Millions of gallons of water per well

Pros

• Efficient extraction of natural gas• Extends life of wells, decreasing cost of

extraction• Natural gas emits less carbon dioxide than oil

or coal

Cons

• Chemicals from the fracking fluid can leak into environment, and contaminate ground water

• Millions of gallons of water are used to develop each well

• Fossil fuels are not sustainable, and lead to pollution of the environment

• http://fracfocus.org/water-protection/drilling-usage

The Technology in the Future

• Demand for Natural Gas is expanding, and so is the use of Hydraulic Fracturing

• The damage that it does to the environment is difficult to assess, and varies from well to well

• Ultimately, more sustainable energy sources are necessary for continued consumption

References• King, Hobart. “Hydraulic Fracturing of Oil& Gas Wells Drilled in Shale.” Geology.com. Web. 8,

April, 2013. http://geology.com/articles/hydraulic-fracturing/ • “Hydraulic Fracturing Overview.” Fracfocus.org. 20 July, 2010. Web. 8 April, 2013 http

://fracfocus.org/hydraulic-fracturing-how-it-works/hydraulic-fracturing-process • “High Volume Hydraulic Fracturing.” Watershedcouncil.org. 2013. Web. 8 April, 2013.

http://www.watershedcouncil.org/learn/hydraulic-fracturing/ • “Chemical Use in Hydraulic Fracturing.” fracfocus.org. 2013. Web. 8 April, 2013. http

://fracfocus.org/water-protection/drilling-usage

• U.S. Energy Information Administration. “Natural Gas.” eia.gov. 29, March, 2013. Web. 8 April, 2013. http://www.eia.gov/dnav/ng/hist/n9050us2a.htm

• King, Hobart. “Uses of Natural Gas.” Geology.com. Web. 8 April, 2013. http://geology.com/articles/natural-gas-uses/