EQ2 Unconvetional fossil fuels Flashcards
What is fracking?
Fracking attempts to access multiple, widely dispersed pockets of gas in the ground.
What environmental impact does fracking have on vegetation?
Large areas of vegetation are removed, causing habitat destruction and migration of wildlife.
Since when has the USA been fracking extensively for shale gas?
Since 2005.
In which states is fracking mainly conducted in the USA?
Texas and Colorado.
How much wastewater was created from fracking sites in Colorado in 2014?
Over 3 billion gallons.
What concerns were raised about the wastewater from fracking?
It was found to be highly toxic and raised concerns about entering drinking water sources.
What type of air pollution is associated with fracking sites?
Increased air pollution, e.g., methane.
How does deepwater oil extraction work?
Through wellheads that sit on the seafloor and extract oil straight from the ground.
When was the Lapa deepwater oilfield discovered?
In 2007.
How far offshore is the Lapa deepwater oilfield located?
270 km offshore.
What challenges does the distance of drilling platforms from the coastline create?
It makes drilling difficult and increases the cost of oil for consumers.
What are tar sands?
Tar sands are mined and processed to extract bitumen, which is refined into oil.
Which country is thought to hold the largest reserves of tar sands?
Canada.
When is extracting oil from tar sands considered viable?
When the price of oil is high.
What is a significant environmental concern regarding new vegetation growth in tar sands areas?
New vegetation growth is almost impossible.
What is the nature of the wastewater produced from tar sands extraction?
Contaminated and toxic to life.
What social impact has the tar sands industry had on indigenous groups?
Groups of indigenous have had to move out of the area.
What economic benefit has the tar sands industry provided locally?
High levels of local income and employment for over 400,000 people.
