En 2.3 - Fracking Flashcards
Which country has been recently successful with fracking?
USA
Where in the UK is shale gas located? And is there any drilling taking place?
Reserves of shale gas have been identified across swathes of the UK, particularly in the north of England. However no fracking is currently taking place (as of 2014) and drilling firms must apply for a fracking licence if they wish to do so in the future.
Why is fracking controversial (environmental and health concerns)
Fracking uses huge amounts of water that must be transported to the fracking site, at significant environmental cost.
The second is the worry that potentially carcinogenic chemicals used may escape and contaminate groundwater around the fracking site.
Does fracking make the ground unstable? Give an example.
Yes,
There are also worries that the fracking process can cause small earth tremors. Two small earthquakes of 1.5 and 2.2 magnitude hit the Blackpool area in 2011 following fracking.
What are some advantages of fracking?
Fracking allows drilling firms to access difficult-to-reach resources of oil and gas.
In the US it has significantly boosted domestic oil production and driven down gas prices.
Will fracking be beneficial for the UK?
Fracking of shale gas could contribute significantly to the UK’s future energy needs.
A report by the Energy and Climate Change Committee in April said shale gas in the UK may help to secure energy supplies, but may not bring down gas prices.
It could give energy security for up to 100 years
Why are some environmentalists against fracking?
Environmental campaigners say that fracking is simply distracting energy firms and governments from investing in renewable sources of energy, and encouraging continued reliance on fossil fuels.
What is fracking?
Fracking is the process of drilling down into the earth before a high-pressure water mixture is directed at the rock to release the gas inside.
