'Fracking' Explained

Biology professor and geochemist Robert Jackson in Duke's Nicholas School of the Environment performed one of the first peer-reviewed studies on the environmental consequences of hydrofracking. In a live "Office Hours" webcast September 15, 2011, he answers questions about his study. Learn more at http://www.dukeofficehours.com.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• duke
• science
• fracking
• hydraulic
• fracturing
• shale
• gas
• oil
• jackson

[JamesBerg86]

So this has nothing to do with Battlestar Galactica?

[beancube2010]

Don't forget to video recording all procedures so testings can be reproduced.

[beancube2010]

Drilling fluid must be examined before and after they are used.

[beancube2010]

Just pour clean water to deep holes into the soil and examine those water samples after a while.

[MrGift79]

At about 21:45 they begin to discuss this issue in a broader context which I think few environmentalists that are reacting negatively to fracking are. Natural Gas IS a practical bridge to a future focused on renewable energy. Demonizing natural gas would leave us reliant on coal and foreign oil/petroleum both worse for the environment AND our energy security. We need strict regulations to ensure that natural gas extraction does not produce detrimental effects, NOT demonization of the resource.

[CarrieGraham1967]

Now I'm REALLY, REALLY concerned. As calm as this guy sounds (and he appears very credible - I checked his academic history and CV out - he doesn't SEEM to be a puppet for big energy) I find it deeply disturbing that no mention's been made of how exploiting the Marcellus Shale will affect the Great Lakes water system.

[supressorgrid]

I would inject liquid oxegen into the well and then detonate it. That would bust the hell out of the rocks and leave nothing but co2 and water behind. result clean gas and soda water. Damn, I am a genius!

[featheredfan]

Great, let’s combine the F word with cracking the Earth open.

[katheryncruz24]

Fracking?