Fracking Process and Environmental Concerns

How is natural gas primarily formed deep underground?

• Through volcanic activity and magma cooling.

• From the decomposition of ancient marine organisms under intense heat and pressure.

• By the rapid crystallization of minerals in the Earth's mantle.

• As a byproduct of tectonic plate movement and friction.

What is the initial step in the hydraulic fracturing process?

• Pumping fracking fluid into the ground.

• Creating horizontal fissures in the rock.

• Drilling a long vertical wellbore through layers of sediment.

• Injecting sand and clay to prop open cracks.

At what approximate depth does horizontal drilling typically begin in the fracking process?

• 500-1000 meters

• 1000-1500 meters

• 2500-3000 meters

• 4000-5000 meters

What is the primary function of the specialized perforating gun used in fracking?

• To drill the initial vertical wellbore.

• To pump fracking fluid into the shale.

• To create small holes in the well's casing and rock layer.

• To measure the pressure within the well.

What is the largest component by percentage in fracking fluid?

• Acids

• Chemical additives

• Sand or clay

• Water

Why are sand or clay mixed into the fracking fluid?

• To dissolve minerals in the rock.

• To reduce friction during pumping.

• To prevent bacterial growth in the well.

• To keep the created fissures open after pressure is released.

How many gallons of water are typically used per well during fracking's intense pumping and flushing?

• Hundreds of thousands

• 1-2 million

• 3-6 million

• Tens of millions

Which of the following is a common contaminant found in the flowback liquid from fracking operations?

• Pure distilled water

• Oxygen

• Radioactive materials

• Nitrogen gas

Why are methane leaks during the fracking process a significant environmental concern?

• Methane is highly corrosive to drilling equipment.

• Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, more powerful than carbon dioxide.

• Methane causes acid rain when released into the atmosphere.

• Methane depletes the ozone layer.

What is a major concern regarding fracking's long-term impact on energy development?

• It makes renewable energy sources too expensive to develop.

• It diverts time, money, and research away from cleaner, renewable energy sources.

• It increases the global demand for non-renewable energy.

• It has no significant impact on the development of renewable energy.