Updated geologic maps of Marcellus Shale show more detail of shale formation
Saturday, April 4, 2015
The Energy Information Administration has updated its maps of the Marcellus Shale formation, as reported by PennEnergy.
The updated maps show the formation’s structure, thickness and the play’s extent. Structure and thickness maps are needed to determine where hydrocarbon extraction is economical. Well data is used to create the maps.
The Marcellus Shale is currently producing in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia and New York, although drilling has been suspended and more recently banned in New York.
Via: PennEnergy > Updated geologic maps provide greater detail for Marcellus formation
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Shale FAQ
What is fracking?
Fracking is a slang term for hydraulic fracturing. Fracturing is a process by which highly pressurized fluid is pumped thousands of feet into the ground to fracture rock formations. The goal is to release the natural gas that’s locked inside the rock.
Is it safe?
What most concerns people about fracturing is ground water contamination. The worry is that fractures underground, caused by the process, will extending upwards and into aquifers, releasing gas and chemicals into the ground water supply. There’s been no confirmed reports of such a thing happening. Though surface spills and drill site blowouts can lead to localized environmental concerns.
Will my water catch on fire?
Flammable water is caused by the release of methane gas into a drinking water supply. Methane gas occurs naturally and can be released by any kind of drilling, including water wells. In Pennsylvania officials fined Chesapeake Energy $1 million for contaminating ground water with methane. It was determined that the company had not properly cemented it’s boreholes and gas migrated up the well, between rock and into aquifers.