Jerome Wrote:Essentially using high pressure water to crack up the bedrock and release the trapped gasses. But it also means the groundwater gets contaminated. You can compress a solid but not a liquid which is why they use water.
The US is in the sweet spot in this technique--the bedrock is reasonably close to the surface and the seams to be cracked are horizontal. They have not had nearly the same results elsewhere. I too worry about the despoiling of the groundwater and subsequent damage to aquifers. There is also serious concern about induced earthquakes (this has already happened in Pennsylvania). Technology and greed have once again raced far ahead of long-view science and morality...another thing: the US Govt forbids petro exports; all this is for domestic use. This keeps petro profits high and fuel pump prices low, thus pacifiying the populace. However, most of that Northern Tier fuel is shipped by rail, thus crowding other uses of rail lines. All manner of ag shippers are suffering much higher prices and/or spot unavailibility of shipping options. The Federales are looking into it...
I know you asked for the simpler explanation but couldn't let this go for those wishing to delve deeper.: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydraulic_fracturing
About the Ebola virus, I don't know what to think. Just girding my loins for the coming onslaught...
A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind--Dr. Johnson
What he said. Amen, Bro--JazzboCR
What he said. Amen, Bro--JazzboCR