A Look At Fracking -- What Is It And Why Is It So Controversial

Fracking also known as hydraulic fracturing is the method of extracting natural gas from shale rocks. Wells are drilled down to these and then heavy mud injected to hydraulically fracture the shale rocks. The fractures release the gas trapped in the rocks. Fracking is letting the U.S. tap vast oil and natural gas reserves that previously were locked away in shale and other tight rock formations. Up to 95 percent of natural gas wells drilled in the next decade will require hydraulic fracturing. When it comes to natural gas, the United States is the largest producer in the world, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). The EIA estimated that the total U.S. gas production from 2012 to 2040 will increase 56 percent, with natural gas from shale the leading contributor. The shale gas share of total U.S. production will increase from 40 percent in 2012 to 53 percent in 2040, EIA projects. So now that we understand what fracking is and how it works. Let's take a look at why it is so controversial. Fracking is controversial due to the fact that ground water contamination is possible near drilling areas. Also there is the potential of earthquakes in places where drilling takes place. There are more reasons why fracking has become so controversial to get more in depth information on fracking and why it is so controversial click on the pictures below to read the articles.