Fracking A Growing Scientific Controversy - 744 Words

Fracking: A growing scientific controversy The drive to satisfy the nations insatiable appetite for energy has driven over 31 states to adopt a process of natural gas extraction known as hydraulic fracturing. Used in nine out of 10 natural gas wells, fracking entails pumping millions of gallons of water, sand and chemicals ¦to break apart the rock and release the gas (What is hydraulic fracking, 2013, Pro Publica). The chemicals are necessary to transform the water into a frictionless mass that works its way deep into the earth, prying open tiny cracks that can extend thousands of feet. The particles of sand or silicon wedge inside those cracks, holding the earth open just enough to allow the gas to slip by (What is hydraulic fracking, 2013, Pro Publica). Cash-strapped states have embraced fracking with a vengeance: it often brings jobs to rural areas with extremely high levels of unemployment. It is true that these vast deposits of natural gas are large enough to supply the country for decades and allow the United States not to be as dependent upon foreign sources of energy (Gas drilling: The story so far, 2013, Pro Publica). However, scientists are worried that the chemicals used in fracturing may pose a threat either underground or when waste fluids are handled and sometimes spilled on the surface (What is hydraulic fracking, 2013, Pro Publica). In 2008, an EPA study stated that the practice posed no danger to drinking water (Kelly 2012). However, sinceShow MoreRelatedFracking And The Gas Industry1573 Words   |  7 Pageshydraulic fracturing, or â€Å"fracking,† is a process in which water and chemicals are injected into shale formations underground in order to release trapped natural gas. As fracking spreads throughout the United States, there are more and more reported cases of contaminated drinking water and illness among citizens living near fracking sites. Even with these cases, it is still difficult for the public to grasp just how dangerous fracking is to the public and the environment. Fracking is already legal inRead MoreThe Effects Of Hydraulic Fracturing On The United States1518 Words   |  7 Pagesthe means to solve both problems. This technology has provided the U.S. access to 100 years’ worth of energy. Natural gas has been located within the country’s borders and thousands of feet below the surface. Hydraulic Fracturing, also known as â€Å"fracking†, is used to access or enlarge productivity in petroleum, water and natural gas. If the actual hydraulic fracturing process is succeeded, it is deep underground when a pressurized fluid is ejected from underground piping into the surrounding rockRead MoreHydraulic Fracturing2275 Words   |  10 PagesWorkshop Paper Assignment Final Version Professor Julia Quartz As America looks to find the best source of energy at hand domestically, the use of hydraulic fracturing proves to be the best response. Hydraulic fracturing is more commonly known as fracking, is the process where natural gas is extracted from shale rock areas deep within the earth. In the US, an estimated total of 1.44 quadrillion cubic feet of shale gas is accessible with this technology. In 2012, 32 states hosted natural gas drillersRead MoreAdult Stem Cells1234 Words   |  5 PagesWritten Assignment 2: Biology and Technology in the Real World Addresses course outcomes 2 and 3: †¢ use knowledge of biological principles to ask relevant questions about the natural world †¢ make observations and discriminate between scientific and pseudoscientific explanations 1. Select one of the following topics below. 2. Find articles related to the topic. 3. Write two pages, double spaced, excluding references. You must read the articles that you find and summarize the informationRead MoreNavajo Water Rights Essay1065 Words   |  5 PagesThe controversy over water rights has been a long battle that the Navajo Nation has endured for decades. This controversy which is complicated by numerous issues has only been increasing in recent years. For example the Navajo Hopi Little Colorado Water Settlement that has been in litigation for 33 years. Of particular note Navajo people and their elected officials are struggling to balance expectations with reality including legally mandated coordination with state and federal governments. As