Fracking and Earthquakes

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Fracking and Earthquakes

Part 1

Fracking does not cause earthquakes. Such occurrences are fueled by the drilling fluids that sip into injection wells located underground. In fact, the presence of faults along such sites would catalyze the reactions between the fluids and the ground thereby increasing the amount of waste energy produced. As such, fracking operations only serve to build subterranean pressures but their impact is minimal in the absence of fault lines (NewsOK 1). In most instances, injection wells are filled with large volumes of waste thereby building up high amounts of pressure as compared to gas and oil wells. Therefore, the pressurized liquids tend to exert more force, which causes the widening of fault cracks hence causing earthquakes.

Part 2

The authorities should not ban fracking because there already exists enough research on the process to support the notion that it does not lead to earthquakes. Many states such as Texas have experienced many years of hydraulic oil and gas exploration without the occurrence of earthquakes. Moreover, recent seismic activity in Oklahoma has revealed that most of this phenomenon is detected in sites with a high frequency of faults. In particular, studies have been conducted after the shifts in tectonic plates and the findings have indicated that fracking has little to do with the natural disaster (Wines 1). Therefore, fracking should not be halted for further research due to the availability of huge evidence exonerating it. However, research into ways of cushioning the wells from slippage is vital in preventing contamination of ground water as well as enhancement of underground pressures to uncontrollable levels. For example, more steel and cement layers are needed to prevent slippages. By so doing, the pressures are contained and their impact is reduced to manageable levels too.

Works Cited

NewsOK. Seismologist: Fracking does not cause Earthquakes. 9 September 2013. Web. 28 April 2015.

Wines, Michael. New Research Links Scores of Earthquakes to Fracking Wells near a Fault in Ohio. New York Times, 7 January 2015.Web. 28 April 2015.