Hydraulic Fracturing
Research papers on hydraulic fracturing often address the practice as an environmental issue that has dangerous consequences. Take a look at the science behind fracking and determine in your research if it is indeed harmful for the environment or if fracking is a safe activity.
Hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking, is the process whereby rocks are fractured though the use of pressurized liquid. Fracking is a mining technique where deep reserves of natural gas or petroleum are recovered from underneath solid rock. Hydraulic fracturing, as a mining technique, was first developed in 1947 and has proven to be very popular in the United States in recent years. Paper Masters can compose a custom written research paper on Hydraulic Fracturing that follows your guidelines.
Popularity of Hydraulic Fracturing
Hydraulic fracturing has become an increasingly popular means of accessing unconventional oil and natural gas reserves that were previously inaccessible. Estimates are that up to seventy percent of natural gas extraction in the United States in the coming years will be the result of fracking. Many proponents see fracking as one of the nation's solutions for reducing dependence on foreign oil and achieving energy independence.
However, hydraulic fracturing is highly controversial for the following reasons:
- The heavy equipment brought into fracking sites has been known to cause significant damage to rural infrastructure.
- There are also significant environmental concerns as well.
- Excessive use of water required for hydraulic fracturing not only diverts water from municipalities and aquatic life, but also contaminated ground water supplies.
- There are serious concerns that deep fracking has led to an increase in seismic activity, including earthquakes in regions not known for such activity.