Fracking

What is the primary purpose of fracking?

• To extract oil from deep underground reservoirs.

• To recover natural gas from deep layers of porous rock.

• To create new water sources for human consumption.

• To solidify unstable rock formations underground.

What are the three main components used in fracking fluid?

• Oil, sand, and detergents.

• Water, sand, and chemicals.

• Methane, carbon dioxide, and water.

• Clay, acid, and natural gas.

What is the primary risk of fracking? Why?

Answer explanation

Water quality is a primary concern because the hydraulic fracturing fluids used to fracture rock formations have chemicals that could harm human health and the environment, especially if they enter drinking water supplies.

Which of the following is a major environmental concern related to fracking?

• Increased soil erosion on the surface.

• Contamination of drinking water sources.

• Depletion of atmospheric oxygen.

• Excessive noise pollution from drilling.

What is a key characteristic of the natural gas recovered by fracking, in terms of its environmental impact?

• It is primarily composed of carbon dioxide, a potent greenhouse gas.

• It is less harmful than coal when burned, but its main component, methane, is a potent greenhouse gas.

• It is a completely clean energy source with no greenhouse gas emissions.

• It is primarily used for industrial purposes and not for residential heating.