Hydraulic Fracturing in

the United States

By: Caryn Massey, Molly Groyer,

Greg Branson, Armand
Massimini, Yu Hao, Ying Wang,
Junjie, WeiQiao Lin

1
 Introduction
Hydraulic Fracturing: The forcing open of
fissures in subterranean rocks by introducing
liquid at high pressure, esp. to extract oil or
gas

Advantages and disadvantages to Hydraulic

Fracturing

How Hydraulic Fracturing Affects the

Environment

How Hydraulic Fracturing Affects the

Economy

Case Studies of Hydraulic Fracturing

Suggestions for Future Use

2
 Literature Review
Gas is one of the major sources of heating and other
energy needs
energy use in the United States
Concern for effects of Fracking Method
Fracking Developed in the 1940s, recently became a
popular method for extraction of Natural Gas

3
 Advantages and Disadvantages of
Hydraulic Fracturing

Advantages Disadvantages

Increase in production of Water contamination of

natural gas chemicals

Increase in economic Ingredients for fracking

activities process unknown to public

Price for drilling natural gas Major health concerns for

low people that live nearby
drilling

4
How Hydraulic Fracturing
Affects the Environment

5
Hazardous Chemicals in the Fracking
Process

Fracturing fluid
Sand-carrying fluid
Displacing liquid
Benzene, ethyl benzene,
toluene and xylene

6
Hydraulic Fracturing Impact on Water,
Landscaping, and Earthquakes
Pollute the underground water

Consume large amounts of groundwater

Radioactive pollution

Traffic and noise pollution

Injection of fluids into deep wells

Use of reservoirs for water supplies

http://youtu.be/4LBjSXWQRV8
7
 How Hydraulic Fracturing Affects the
Economy
Most efficient way to pump natural gas from the ground

Oil price increased from $20 per barrel in 2002 to over $100
per barrel now. But natural gas is currently at 2002 prices.

An abundant supply of natural gas makes prices relatively

cheap to producers and consumers

Decreases exploitation cost and increase the benefit of

producers.
Good have increase number of medical bills from people
that get sick from drinking fracked-contaminated water

8
 Case Studies of Hydraulic Fracturing

In 1987, an E.P.A. report was published that

indicated fracture fluid invasion into James
Parson's water well in Jackson County, West
Virginia

Earthquakes in United Kingdom Canada, and Japan

have been linked to Hydraulic Fracturing

9
 Suggestions for the Future

Many short-term and long-term concerns that related to

human health, environmental health, and economic
health

While fracking decreases the amount of carbon dioxide

emitted into the air, the environmental impacts on the
landscapes and water are vast

Serious health-implications for people that work on

fracking drilling sites as well as people that live in
surrounding areas.

Consider looking into renewable energy sources as well

as exploring safer means of extracting natural gas

10
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