Essential Question(s):
No new innovations have been more important in the petrochemical industry in the last decade than the process of Hydrological Fracturing or "Fracking." This controversial process involves the use of pumped water and chemicals into previously unobtainable oil and gas pockets and opening and some cases forcing the petroleum product(s) out. Proponents are eager to point out the benefits and potential "game-changing" aspects of fracking while detractors point to the potential drawbacks and environmental impacts.
Pennsylvania is ground zero for the new techniques of fracking as old and seemingly played out petroleum reserves are being exploited and expanded. This new "boom" is not without drawbacks both asserted and acknowledged. As we have already observed the global climate issues and continued pollution expansion of petroleum economy is obviously going to be exasperated by more fuels. Fracking, according to many critics, is particularly harmful for a variety of reasons. Using water to get oil is wasteful and ultimately unsustainable, pumping chemicals into the ground pollutes groundwater and leaves the water table vulnerable for years, the cracking of the substrata creates gas leaks and according to some studies undermines the tectonic stability.
Watch: Funky Video warning about the dangers of Fracking (very biased!)
There is much information about the practice of fracking and its benefits and dangers on the internet. In order to understand some of the underlying issues and facts we use a variety of sources.
Complete the fracking worksheet linked at the bottom of the page. The links to complete it are also located at the bottom of this page.
Finally, consider watching the controversial and influential film Gasland