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REVISION CARDS - HYDRAULIC FRACTURING (ALSO KNOWN AS FRACKING)
V.Ryan © 2017
 
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WHAT IS HYDRAULIC FRACTURING?

The drilling of shale rocks to release gas and oil contained within it. Shale gas is the main output from the wellhead. Involves drilling straight down to a shale layer of rock and then drilling horizontally into the seam. Water, sand and chemicals (90% water, 9.5% sand and 0.5% chemicals) are injected at very high pressures, causing the shale to fracture, liberating the gas, which is returned to the surface for processing.

One fracking site can support a number of wells, because horizontal drilling allows the wells to spread outwards, from a central production facility.

 
 
 
 



TWO ARGUMENTS AGAINST FRACKING
It is believed that the processes of fracking shale, can cause earth tremors, as happened twice in Blackpool (UK) in 2011.
Chemicals used to frack shale, can contaminate natural water supplies.

TWO ARGUMENTS IN FAVOUR OF
FRACKING
Fracking could mean that this country has a secure energy source and does not rely on foreign Governments.
The price of oil and gas will fall, due to the potential large reserves of oil and gas contain within shale.

 
 
 
 
QUESTIONS
 
1. What is hydraulic fracturing (fracking)? 4 marks
 
 
 
 
 
2. Write one argument for fracking and one against it. 4 marks
 
 
 
 
 
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