A Brief Note On Oil And Natural Gas - 1085 Words

I. Slide One: Hydraulic Fracturing Think about what you may know about environmental issues today. Some of you may say global climate change. Others may conclude that pollution is a prevalent problem in the world today. Even more of you could declare that our biggest setback is the quickly dwindling natural resources in America and the world. What if I told you that there was an issue that encompasses these environmental issues as well as others? (Next Slide) II. Slide Two: Energy Issues Today According to recent studies, our energy usage today depends almost entirely on coal and natural gas (â€Å"Clean Energy 101†). Before modern fracking began to take precedence over the natural gas industry, most natural gas wells had been completely†¦show more content†¦Although fracking has been around since 1862 (Manfreda), it was not until the 1990s when modern fracking methods were developed. Because of the introduction of these new procedures, fracking has turned into a large environmental debate. Before we can discuss the problems linked to hydraulic fracturing, it is important that the process itself is fully understood. (Next Slide) IV. Slide Four: The Process [Picture, (Safina)] The development of a fracking well begins by drilling a shaft into the earth, about 8,000 feet deep (Dettmer). In contrast, the traditional oil and gas wells are maintained at around 2,500 feet into the ground (Dettmer). The well flattens at the bottom so that the end of the shaft is horizontal. Once the shaft has been completely drilled and coated in concrete, the fluid can be pumped. Fracking fluid is made up of around 8 million liters of water, amounting to the daily consumption of about 65,000 people (Dettmer). The liquid also contains several thousand tons of sand, which is used to keep newly formed cracks open (Dettmer). The most notable feature of the fracking fluid is the 200,000 liters of chemicals present in the mixture (Dettmer). These chemicals perform a variety of tasks, including killing off bacteria, compressing water, and dissolving minerals (Dettmer). After the fluid is pushed into the earth and cracks are present, the majority of it is pumped back out for later disposal. The released gas flows up the shaft and is collected before