ENV 3120 Study Guide - Final Guide: Hydraulic Fracturing Proppants, Marine Ecosystem
6 Aug 2019
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Document Summary
A vertical hole is drilled to reach the fuel in the rock. Then water chemicals and sand are pumped down under pressure. The rock fractures and releases oil and natural gas, which are forced back to the surface where they are collected. Access to more gas and oil (limited supply). Reduces the need to import oil or natural gas. Shale rock is below the water table so poses little threat. Uses a lot of water and so reduces its availability. Oil spills offshore (at sea) because they are more difficult to control, it spreads. Affecting the marine ecosystem, breaking food webs and the extinction of species. Local economy disrupted due to a reduction in fish population and so the fishing industry (no jobs); and tourism affected due to the loss of attractiveness of coasts. Oil floats and prevents light from entering, preventing photosynthesis causing them to die. Shortage of food due to a reduction of phytoplankton.
