Hi Scott,
No, I didn't find any info that compared states. But there seems to be a correlation between density & environmental impact, not necessarily earthquakes. EPA's prelim draft on HF & water supply.
Density is one of the things EPA is looking at. It's next report is due out 2012.
So fracking looks like it can cause minor earthquakes. Should we initiate some fracking in California to reduce the stress on major earthquake faults?
Since it's the big ones that do the damage - it would be much better to have 1,000 magnitude 2 quakes than one whopper. Maybe, over time, we could develop the ability to actually make that tradeoff?
It would be like the technique that firefighters use sometimes - they light a small fire to create a firebreak that the larger fire can't cross.
Re: Fracking Quakes: The New Climate Change?
Phoenix
11/22/2011 11:50:05 AM
All the data seems to be pointing to a strong relationship between fracking and quakes. I think further research needs to be done on this for sure. I agree with you that the present data is very incriminating and the correlation is difficult to ignore. We have to be progressive but not at such a high cost to the environment. If this results in larger more damaging quakes any progress we may have made would not mean much in the end.
Re: Fracking Quakes: The New Climate Change?
Street Smart
11/22/2011 10:55:22 AM
Let's also remember that when we're talking about de-stabalizing the structure of the earth's bedrock, there's no such thing as state boundaries. Just the way the quake in Virginia was felt as far north as Vermont, so, too, would events in Oklahoma have literal ripple effects on a much broader scale.
I wonder how, oh say, Rick Perry for example, will feel about Oklahoma's fracking efforts if the skyscrapers of Houston and Dallas were suddenly threatened!
Re: Fracking Quakes: The New Climate Change?
TelecomFreq
11/22/2011 10:42:13 AM
the correlation is staggering, I would def like to see some more data be developed as these events happen and maybe some more proactive data collection at fracking sites.
There will always be detractors who argue natrually occuring, and most of them either dont look at or dont care about the data.
it is def a senstive subject though because as a nation we have energy needs that we are trying to meet, but as citizens of the earth we need to be looking out for the enviornment, and both of those needs have to be weighed against each other.
Interesting article Sherri it's amazing how natural gas prices have been depressed by the new supply. Fracking is going to be an important economic driver going forward, but it is going to be really important to try to balance the environmental issues.
Do you have an information on the density of well drilling in OK vs. other states?
Fracking Quakes: The New Climate Change?
Street Smart
11/22/2011 10:24:03 AM
I agree that it could be a rush to judgment to link Oklahoma's dramatic rise in earthquakes to fracking, but the correlation sure looks compelling on the surface!
Let's remember that the "could be naturally occurring" argument has prevented us from doing anything about climate change in the face of evidence that seems overwhelming to everybody except the Republican presidential candidates.
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