Shale gas

Shale gas

Shale gas is natural gas produced from shale which has become an increasingly important source of energy due to recent development with drilling technology that makes the extraction of shale gas economically viable.

Industry: Energy

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Shale gas

underground source of drinking water (USDW)

Energy; Shale gas

An aquifers currently being used as a source of drinking water or capable of supplying a public water system. USDWs have a TDS content of 10,000 milligrams per liter or less, and are not “exempted ...

vadose zone

Energy; Shale gas

The zone between land surface and the water table within which the moisture content is less than saturation (except in the capillary fringe) and pressure is less than atmospheric. Soil pore space ...

venting

Energy; Shale gas

The release of natural gas into the atmosphere during the extraction process. Drilling operations may vent different types of gases, including methane, benzene, toluene, and volatile organic ...

water table

Energy; Shale gas

The level of ground water. Shale gas extraction may affect the quality of groundwater because chemicals used in fracking can leak into groundwater supplies.

wellbore casing

Energy; Shale gas

A layered wall, composed of mostly cement and steel, that provides support for the wellbore, and separates the well from the surrounding geologic structure. As the natural gas and oil travel through ...

abandoned well

Energy; Shale gas

A well that is no longer in use, whether dry, inoperable, or no longer productive.

acidizing

Energy; Shale gas

A process performed either before or during fracking. It involves pumping acid—usually hydrochloric acid—into the rock formation so that the fractures in the well can be opened more effectively.