- When (within what two week period of first quarter) will students complete this project? How long will it last?
- What is the project? Detail what exactly students will create/produce/publish.
- What literacy (reading/writing) standards will it address?
- List resources with which you need help: texts, strategies, technology, graphic organizers, etc.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
BHS Performance Assessments
Extend the task you created (or start with a new one) into a performance assessment. Share with us...
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Get the Facts First
The sudden swarm of earthquake activity following natural-gas drilling has left many, including the experts, speculating whether the seismic activity is natural or caused by the pumping of salt water into the ground following the drilling. Many in the small town of Greenbriar Arkansas are unsettled by increasing severity and lack of warning of the quakes following drilling activities in their community.
To what extent is a company socially responsible for informing the public about the affects of any activity in a community? According to an article in Foxnews.com "Geologists don't believe the fracking itself is a problem. But Steve Horton, an earthquake specialist at the University of Memphis Center for Earthquake Research and Information (CERI), is worried by a correlation between the Arkansas earthquake swarm and a side effect of the drilling and the disposal of wastewater in injection wells." Scientists are slow to draw conclusions on the drilling and offer little consensus on the subject.
The positive and negative effects of pumping of water into the ground is not fully known. As companies venture into the unknown, the populations effected should not be put in a state of uneasiness. It is the responsibitlity of the the drilling companies to research and know to what extent the injections are causing the tremors before drilling.
To what extent is a company socially responsible for informing the public about the affects of any activity in a community? According to an article in Foxnews.com "Geologists don't believe the fracking itself is a problem. But Steve Horton, an earthquake specialist at the University of Memphis Center for Earthquake Research and Information (CERI), is worried by a correlation between the Arkansas earthquake swarm and a side effect of the drilling and the disposal of wastewater in injection wells." Scientists are slow to draw conclusions on the drilling and offer little consensus on the subject.
The positive and negative effects of pumping of water into the ground is not fully known. As companies venture into the unknown, the populations effected should not be put in a state of uneasiness. It is the responsibitlity of the the drilling companies to research and know to what extent the injections are causing the tremors before drilling.
Boiling Down to MONEY$$$
I am just going to put it out there. It appears to me that man will stop at no end to gain for himself. I guess I already knew that. It all boils down to how much higher on the money ladder man can get. After reflecting on the two articles in class today-one from Fox news and one from the New York Times-it dawned on me that companies across the nation continue to drill for oil using a process that may be damaging to our environment. Even after a correlation has been to seismic activity in many states, including the one that we live in, they continue this madness.Uh- yeah-crazy right?
Four hundred and twelve companies have recently come to Arkansas to invest or profit from the damaging of our land and eventually our people. They offer thousands of dollars to put well on people's land all across our state. Think about it! Do we have to wait until a major disaster occurs and many human beings have been injured or killed for that matter before we resolve this issue for the citizens of our country?
It states, in the article by Foxnews, that this recent seismic activity has resulted in at least three states-West Virginia, California, Texas and now Arkansas almost immediately after the introduction of fracking- the method for heating/extracting of pressurized water from the wells dug. Pretty much- if it looks like a duck, it quakes like a duck -it waddles like a duck...pretty much -it is a "fracking duck." What
will it take for man to put the interest of others first?
Four hundred and twelve companies have recently come to Arkansas to invest or profit from the damaging of our land and eventually our people. They offer thousands of dollars to put well on people's land all across our state. Think about it! Do we have to wait until a major disaster occurs and many human beings have been injured or killed for that matter before we resolve this issue for the citizens of our country?
It states, in the article by Foxnews, that this recent seismic activity has resulted in at least three states-West Virginia, California, Texas and now Arkansas almost immediately after the introduction of fracking- the method for heating/extracting of pressurized water from the wells dug. Pretty much- if it looks like a duck, it quakes like a duck -it waddles like a duck...pretty much -it is a "fracking duck." What
will it take for man to put the interest of others first?
To Drill Or Not To Drill
The question facing society today is whether natural-gas drilling should continue. If drilling continues, lots of money can be generated; however, studies indicate that drilling could be causing seismic activity. There seems to be a correlation between drilling and earthquakes even though not all scientists can come to an agreement on the subject. Reports from various news reports seem to support this idea. Society must then decide what is more important for our world as a whole. If we ultimately destroy the world in order for financial gain, what have we actually gained as a society.
Natural Gas Drilling and Eathquakes
Many beleive that the increase in seismic activity in Arkansas is in direct correlation with natural gas drilling. According to Steve Horton, an earthquake specialist at the University of Memphis earthquake research, 90% of the earthquakes that have happened since 2009 have occurred within 6km of natural gas drilling. However many scientist are not convinced, such as Chi-Yuen Wnag, Professor at Berkley, whose research includes the interaction of water and earthquakes. There could be a correlation between the increased eathquake activity in Arkansas and drilling, but it appears that more research is needed in past and future eathquake activity in areas where drilling has occurred and is now halted.
"Fracking" and Earthquakes
There could be a correlation between drilling for natural gas in Arkansas and increased seismic activity near the location of the drills on the New Madrid fault.
According to Fox News, Steve Horton, a seismic geologist at the University of Memphis, reported that "90% of the seismic activity since 2009 has occurred within 6 Km of the wells."
Fracking is the process where wastewater from the drilling is injected back into rocks and salt water is formed.
To find out if there is a correlation, more data will have to be collected preceding the drilling and after to see if there is an increase in seismic activity. Scientific review can be a long process and cannot be determined in a short period of time to be valid.
According to Fox News, Steve Horton, a seismic geologist at the University of Memphis, reported that "90% of the seismic activity since 2009 has occurred within 6 Km of the wells."
Fracking is the process where wastewater from the drilling is injected back into rocks and salt water is formed.
To find out if there is a correlation, more data will have to be collected preceding the drilling and after to see if there is an increase in seismic activity. Scientific review can be a long process and cannot be determined in a short period of time to be valid.
To frack or not to frack
We must determine if "fracking" causes earthquakes and make necessary rules to protect free enterprise and our environment. According to news reports, some experts believe geothermal invasion of the earth causes earthquakes. Other experts believe this is not true. I believe an independent study should be done but by whom? People and money will be used to affect the outcome of the study so I don't think a definitive decision could be make. We don't stop people from smoking even though second-hand smoke is killing thousands of people.
The demand for energy conitinues to climb, so will the constant searce for new and more energy sources. As technology and nature incur an increasing number of conflicts, it is inevitablle that nature will win this battle in the end.
The earthquakes that are most concerning are the ones that occur when the Batesville Pioneers conduct their five a day practices. The thumping that happens when Pioneer offense gets shut down by Pioneer defense is trully something that needs to be monitored. Reports in the New York Times reveal that if the trend continues then football season 2011 may have to be cancelled for the safety of all.
The earthquakes that are most concerning are the ones that occur when the Batesville Pioneers conduct their five a day practices. The thumping that happens when Pioneer offense gets shut down by Pioneer defense is trully something that needs to be monitored. Reports in the New York Times reveal that if the trend continues then football season 2011 may have to be cancelled for the safety of all.
Should Fracking be Allowed?
Injecting water into the ground at high pressure in order to fracture rock so that natural gas is able to be released in called "fracking." This method is controversial because there is a correlation between this type of drilling and an increased rate of seismic activity. This is especially prevalent in the state of Arkansas. According to Fox News, "Ninety percent of earthquakes that have happened since 2009 have been within 6 kilometers of the salt water disposal wells."
Fracking may not be good for our environment, but economically it is very profitable. There are 412 companies now associated with the oil and gas industry, according Shane Khoury, deputy director and general counsel for the Oil and Gas Commission. These companies provide jobs and pump money into the economy where the drilling occurs.
What is more important to our communities, the economy or the profit? Does a major accident have to happen before the fracking danger is consedered further?
Fracking may not be good for our environment, but economically it is very profitable. There are 412 companies now associated with the oil and gas industry, according Shane Khoury, deputy director and general counsel for the Oil and Gas Commission. These companies provide jobs and pump money into the economy where the drilling occurs.
What is more important to our communities, the economy or the profit? Does a major accident have to happen before the fracking danger is consedered further?
Fracking and earthquakes: Are they related?
Has fracking lead to increased earthquake activity? This has created controversy in many communities in Arkansas and California. There have been several articles published in support of this claim. According to Fox news, earthquake activity has increased with the use of fracking. And the stoppage of drilling has resulted in the number of earthquakes subsiding is further evidence that fracking and earthquakes are related.
Environmental issues vs. Energy Developement
There are risks in developing natural gas fields in this matter. In our quest to solve our energy and economic problems there must be a balance between the risks to investors and landowners who are trying to profit from development of natural resources and the protection of our environment. Since there are many unknowns, with no consensus as to the potential problems, those who stand to profit financially must be held accountable for potential hazards to our environment. If they are willing to take the risks to the environment in their quest for profits, they must be willing to pay the costs for any unforeseen damages. We should learn from past abuses to the environment that individuals and companies should be aware of their accountability on the front-end.
Frack This...
Drilling for natural gas or geothermal entergy can be doing more harm than good if the drilling causes increased seismic activities. From an article in the New York Times about geothermal drilling in California, "drilling near fault lines can cause increased seismic activity." Foxnews.com reported in an article that "fracking" or hydraulic fracturing in which water is injected into the ground at high pressure to fracture rock and release the natural gas in it could be the cause of the earthquake swarm in Arkansas.
Many geologists and earthquake experts disagree on to what extent drilling is having on the seismic activity on these areas. How do we know where to draw the line between the search of alternative fuels due to the cost and limitations of fossil fuels and preserving nature and our Earth as we know it.
Many geologists and earthquake experts disagree on to what extent drilling is having on the seismic activity on these areas. How do we know where to draw the line between the search of alternative fuels due to the cost and limitations of fossil fuels and preserving nature and our Earth as we know it.
Is It Worth It?
The economic benefits of fracking versus the possible damage to physical structures as well as water supplies must be evaluated by citizens across Arkansas in deciding if this practice should be allowed to continue.
Accoarding to FoxNews, after fracking began in Clebourne, Texas, the first earthquake in 140 years occurred. This was followed by four more quakes. The area near Greenbrier, Arkansas, recorded nearly 800 earthquakes from the beginning of fracking in September 2009 to March 2011. Even though scientists are slow to admit a correlation, the possibility seems real. The possible contamination of underground water supply was also broached. However, the addition of over 400 companies associated with the fracking industry in Arkansas could be a positive economic impact on the state.
The issues of fracking present a real dilemma for Arkansas and other areas evaluating the process. The economic impact could outweigh the negative factors. However, society should evaluate the long-term effects of fracking to determine the impact on the natural environment, such as water supplies and underground stability, as well as possible physical damage to building structures and roadways.
Accoarding to FoxNews, after fracking began in Clebourne, Texas, the first earthquake in 140 years occurred. This was followed by four more quakes. The area near Greenbrier, Arkansas, recorded nearly 800 earthquakes from the beginning of fracking in September 2009 to March 2011. Even though scientists are slow to admit a correlation, the possibility seems real. The possible contamination of underground water supply was also broached. However, the addition of over 400 companies associated with the fracking industry in Arkansas could be a positive economic impact on the state.
The issues of fracking present a real dilemma for Arkansas and other areas evaluating the process. The economic impact could outweigh the negative factors. However, society should evaluate the long-term effects of fracking to determine the impact on the natural environment, such as water supplies and underground stability, as well as possible physical damage to building structures and roadways.
Energy Crisis Vs. Environmental Crisis
Natural gas drilling is one solution to our current energy crisis, but at what cost to our environment? According to Steve Horton, an earthquake specialist at CERI, there seems to be a connection between the amount of earthquakes Arkansas has experienced lately, and the disposal of wastewater in injection wells, a side effect of drilling. Horton told fox news that seismic activity has increased since starting the injection wells in April 2009. Hanan Mahdi, a seismologist at the U of A noted a similar connection in an interview in which she stated that there could be two kinds of seismic activity in the area - one natural, the other caused by pumping salt water into the ground. While we do need alternative resources of energy it is obvious that more research should be done before beginning new processes that have the potential of causing environmental problems.
Why The Earthquakes
Since the begining of the injection of salt water into the Arkansas shale area there has been over 800 tremors, the largest being a 4.7 in the Greenbrier area. There is mixed emotion on the cause of these tremors. Scientist's are not definite on the cause but when limited injections and pressure were reduced the frequency of the quakes diminished. That has led scientist and area residence to speculate that the injections caused the tremors and feel more research is needed before increased drilling occurs.
Arkansas: The Natural "Gas" State
The new and controversial drilling methods have been linked to an increase in seismic activity in Arkansas according to Fox News.com. This, however, may not be the most imminent threat faced by Arkansans. The companies have been disposing of their "toxic wastewater" by injecting it into the earth.
This "toxic wastewater" could potentially contaminate drinking water for tens of thousands of Arkansans. In addition to dangerous drinking water, Arkansas's tourism industry could suffer because of pollution in recreational lakes, rivers and streams. Bass fishing tournaments would be cancelled resulting in a drastic decline in tourism. Millions of dollars would be lost because of the "toxic wastewater" contaminating the fish hatcheries.
Agriculture in Arkansas would also suffer as farmers would have to search elsewhere for a safe source to irrigate their billion dollar crops such as rice, soybeans, cotton and corn. An increase in price of production could also affect the price of goods globally leading countries to import rice from other, less toxic, areas.
Although earthquakes are unsettling, the "toxic wastewater" is of a much greater concern to Arkansans and, by extension, the world!
This "toxic wastewater" could potentially contaminate drinking water for tens of thousands of Arkansans. In addition to dangerous drinking water, Arkansas's tourism industry could suffer because of pollution in recreational lakes, rivers and streams. Bass fishing tournaments would be cancelled resulting in a drastic decline in tourism. Millions of dollars would be lost because of the "toxic wastewater" contaminating the fish hatcheries.
Agriculture in Arkansas would also suffer as farmers would have to search elsewhere for a safe source to irrigate their billion dollar crops such as rice, soybeans, cotton and corn. An increase in price of production could also affect the price of goods globally leading countries to import rice from other, less toxic, areas.
Although earthquakes are unsettling, the "toxic wastewater" is of a much greater concern to Arkansans and, by extension, the world!
As the world becomes more and more developed the demand for energy will continue to increase. The development of new technology called "fracing" has enabled energy companies to tap into gas deposits in Arkansas that were previously unreachable. Fracing uses a procedure similar to the processes used in California that produce electricity by taping into geothermal deposits. An article in the New York Times reports that some experts believe that using such technology may be causing an increase in seismic activity. The number of small earthquakes have increased in both California and in Arkansas, and as a result, have caused concern in both states. Although most of the earthquakes have been small, less than 3.5 on the Richter scale, and have not caused substantial damage, the fear is that they could lead to more severe quakes in the future. Another fear is that large numbers of small quakes could destabilize the areas in question and lead to major seismic activity in the future. With so many questions yet to be answered, and with the risk of major quakes possibly rising it would be wise to slow down the use of "fracing" until studies could prove that there is no danger associated with the use of such technologies.
BHS: Day One Reflection
Reflect on your learning today by considering these questions and commenting on this post.
- What have I learned?
- What confuses me? About what do I need more info or support to better understand?
- What resources/support will I need to begin using literacy as a vehicle to teach my content?
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Final Reflection
Post your reflection by commenting on this post.
Use these questions to guide your reflection:
Use these questions to guide your reflection:
- What aha's have you had?
- What are you confused about or need more information to help you clarify?
- What's one thing you plan to implement immediately?
drilling
There seems to be a direct correlation between the increased frequency in earthquakes and geothermal drilling. The ultimate question seems to be,'do the benefits outweigh the risk?'
In dealing with the stability of the earth, I believe it would be best to err on the side of caution. While the evidence may not be conclusive, there is an impressive body of research that indicates the risk is real.
In dealing with the stability of the earth, I believe it would be best to err on the side of caution. While the evidence may not be conclusive, there is an impressive body of research that indicates the risk is real.
New Energy Sources
Over the last several years, drilling for geothermal and natural gas energy sources has produced considerable debate about the geologic/seismic effect of such exploration. Considering that the geothermal exploration is taking place along the San Andreas fault line in California, and that the drilling for natural gas is occurring only a short distance from the site of one of the worst earthquakes in American history, the New Madrid quake of 1809, has led some to question the legitimacy and desirability of these endeavors. When one considers that the history of American progress since the beginning of the industrial age has proven that needs will always rise to meet supply, it is of some question as to whether the risk of catastrophic seismic activity, with the attendant potential loss of life and property, is worth the possible temporary gain in a new energy source.
Earth Jiggler
After reading the articles, it would appear that earthquakes are a result of water being forced
into the earth. The following articles, http://nytimes.com and http://foxnews.com, tell us that
using forced water drilling does not create any problems. But elementary science of force and motion tells that when there is a forced action the result will be a motion.
into the earth. The following articles, http://nytimes.com and http://foxnews.com, tell us that
using forced water drilling does not create any problems. But elementary science of force and motion tells that when there is a forced action the result will be a motion.
Earthquakes in Arkansas and California
Recently I read two articles dealing with earthquakes around the United States. Both articles deal with very interesting facts in Arkansas and California. In California the article deals with Active faults and project sites in Northern California. One of the faults in which I had never heard of was Maacamia fault along the western part of the state in the north. The article discussed crust and how the crust was thinner in this part of the state. It discussed drill cites and what activity happens with the drill sites.
The article which was relative to me dealt with Arkansas. I had not heard the term "fracking".
THis dealt with water that has been injected into the ground at high pressure. The man who discussed fracking was Steve Horton who was an earthquake specialist at the University of Memphis Center. It discussed the percentage of earthquakes in 2009 within six kilmeters of salt water dispposal wells, which was 90%. Another important fact was how many companies are connected to the oil and gas industry in Arkansas, which was 412. They discuessed that Greenbrier was a town in Arklansas which has been plagued by hundreds of small earthquakes a day. With 412 companies drilling in Arkansas why idsn't the economy booming in the land of opportunity?
The article which was relative to me dealt with Arkansas. I had not heard the term "fracking".
THis dealt with water that has been injected into the ground at high pressure. The man who discussed fracking was Steve Horton who was an earthquake specialist at the University of Memphis Center. It discussed the percentage of earthquakes in 2009 within six kilmeters of salt water dispposal wells, which was 90%. Another important fact was how many companies are connected to the oil and gas industry in Arkansas, which was 412. They discuessed that Greenbrier was a town in Arklansas which has been plagued by hundreds of small earthquakes a day. With 412 companies drilling in Arkansas why idsn't the economy booming in the land of opportunity?
Earthquakes in Arkansas
Earthquakes in Arkansas may be man-made. the many earthquakes to hit Arkansas may possibly be an after effect of natural gas drilling.
Fracking or hydraulic fracturing is when water is injected into the ground at high pressure. Could all of the sand fracturing in and around Izard County cause the same kind of problems for those who live in and around Izard County?
What impact might this drilling have on my children and grandchildren?
Fracking or hydraulic fracturing is when water is injected into the ground at high pressure. Could all of the sand fracturing in and around Izard County cause the same kind of problems for those who live in and around Izard County?
What impact might this drilling have on my children and grandchildren?
Is Drilling Causing the Arkansas Earthquakes?
Most of us have heard on the news lately about the many different earthquakes and tremors that have been causing concern in our state. News media is often times placing the blame of these events on companies drilling in or near the small town of Greenbrier, or more specifically, the disposal of wastewater in injection wells. Are these deep drillings into Earth the cause for our earthquake and tremor troubles?
I believe that the answer to this question is yes. There has been research and studies done that help us answer this question. Studies have shown that 90% of earthquakes since 2009 have been within 6 kilometers of salt-water injection wells. http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2011/03/01/fracking-earthquakes-arkansas-man-experts-warn/ In many places the instances of earthquakes has greatly increased since drilling started in these specific areas. I think that there has to be something to these findings. It is too much of a coincidence for these problems to start where they have never been before until the drilling was started.
I think that with more research, it will be proven that the drilling and wastewater in injection wells is the culprit for our recent problems. No other reasonable explination has been found. We now need to focus on a solution. Is the drilling worth it? Is there another way to dispose of the wastewater caused by drilling? These are things we need to figure out before we cause more damage that we are prepared to deal with.
I believe that the answer to this question is yes. There has been research and studies done that help us answer this question. Studies have shown that 90% of earthquakes since 2009 have been within 6 kilometers of salt-water injection wells. http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2011/03/01/fracking-earthquakes-arkansas-man-experts-warn/ In many places the instances of earthquakes has greatly increased since drilling started in these specific areas. I think that there has to be something to these findings. It is too much of a coincidence for these problems to start where they have never been before until the drilling was started.
I think that with more research, it will be proven that the drilling and wastewater in injection wells is the culprit for our recent problems. No other reasonable explination has been found. We now need to focus on a solution. Is the drilling worth it? Is there another way to dispose of the wastewater caused by drilling? These are things we need to figure out before we cause more damage that we are prepared to deal with.
Earthquakes and drilling
With all the talk of man made quakes in the news it is interesting to me that the facts can be used in every blog on all sides of the issue. I really think that more studies need to be made to find out what is really going on. Those doing the further study should be independent of all sides and have the real story come out with nothing to hide. Let the truth be known without outside interference. No New York Times or special interest groups.
Consideration of Audience and Bias
"The sudden swarm of earthquakes in Arkansas -- including the largest quake to hit the state in 35 years..." and a half dozen excerpts from selected individuals including political officials, university professors, and oil/natural gas company representatives set the tone for the information passed on in the article.
Drilling
Natural gas well drilling is a hot topic in our state. The process the companies use to extract the gas commonly known as "fracking" has created controversial debate between scientists, oil companies and the general public. As described in The New York Times article scientists and oil companies know that drilling 2 1/2 miles down into the earth causes earthquakes. Scientists developed the technology to recover the energy source, big oil companies invested to harvest the energy, and now the public wonders what are the consequences. Will drilling on the fault lines create the next "big" one?
Comparing gas drilling and earthquakes in West Virginia and Arkansas
According to Steve Horton, an earthquake specialist at the University of Memphis Center for Earthquake Research and Information noted the same pattern of seismic activity in West Virginia and Greenbrier, Arkansas, where previously there had been none. He told Fox News that Greenbrier isn't a place where earthquakes usually occur.
As it stated in the article, there hadn't been any seismic activities in West Virginia until they began to drill for natural gas. Then these seismic activities began and didn't stop until the West Virginia Oil and Gas Commission forced the dispossal companies to cut back on their injection rate and pressure, the professor said, the earthquakes there seem to have dissipated.
Evidence suggests that there is a correlation between drilling for gas and earthquakes.
image source:
Drilling verses Earthquakes
Even though scientist cannot come to a consensus about the coincidence of drilling for natural gas and the frequencies of earthquakes. My conclusion is drawn from a newspaper report of earthqakes in cities who have never had earthquakes. "In 2009, the small town of Ceburne, Texas, experienced the first recorded earthquake in this Texas town's 140 year history, quickly followed by another four shortly afterwards. Was natural gas drilling--which gegan in earnest in 2002 and brought great properity to Cleburne and other towns across north Texas--causing the quakes?" (FoxNews.com) Another incident of earthquakes happened in West Virginia after drilling for natural gas.
Correlation between drilling and earthquakes
In a recent article entitled "Earthquakes in Arkansas May be Man-Made, Experts Warn", the authors state "The sudden swarm of earthquakes in Arkansas -- including the largest quake to hit the state in 35 years -- is very possibly and after effect of natural-gas drilling. " http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2011/03/01/fracking-earthquakes-arkansas-man-experts-warn/
After reading this article, I felt the need to call my mother and apologize. Several months ago, we had a conversation that went something like this....."Teresa, do you think all of these recent earthquakes are caused from all of the drilling for natural gas?" I, being an authority (not) on geology because I teach 7th and 8th grade science, replied in an exasperated tone, "No Mother.....earthquakes occur along fault lines." I rambled on and on about these wonderully scientific facts concerning earthquakes and faults, etc. She calmly sat there, I am sure thinking, "Wow, that money we spent on her education was well worth it!" However, after reading this article, it seems she may have been on to something that a college degree can't always provide....common sense!
The authors provided specific examples of areas in the United States that had not been prone to earthquakes until drilling for natural gas began there. Cleburne, Texas, West Virginia, and Greenbrier, AR were three that were specifically mentioned. This does not seem coincidental to me, however, science tells us that much evidence must be gathered before a valid conclusion can be drawn. So, while further investigation is being done on this subject and more evidence is gathered, I have plenty of time to pick up the phone and call my mother for that apology I am sure she has secretly been waiting on!
After reading this article, I felt the need to call my mother and apologize. Several months ago, we had a conversation that went something like this....."Teresa, do you think all of these recent earthquakes are caused from all of the drilling for natural gas?" I, being an authority (not) on geology because I teach 7th and 8th grade science, replied in an exasperated tone, "No Mother.....earthquakes occur along fault lines." I rambled on and on about these wonderully scientific facts concerning earthquakes and faults, etc. She calmly sat there, I am sure thinking, "Wow, that money we spent on her education was well worth it!" However, after reading this article, it seems she may have been on to something that a college degree can't always provide....common sense!
The authors provided specific examples of areas in the United States that had not been prone to earthquakes until drilling for natural gas began there. Cleburne, Texas, West Virginia, and Greenbrier, AR were three that were specifically mentioned. This does not seem coincidental to me, however, science tells us that much evidence must be gathered before a valid conclusion can be drawn. So, while further investigation is being done on this subject and more evidence is gathered, I have plenty of time to pick up the phone and call my mother for that apology I am sure she has secretly been waiting on!
Regarding Drilling and Earthquakes
Based on the two articles; The Danger of Digging Deeper (New York Times), and Earthquakes in Arkansas May be Man-Made Experts Warn (Fox News), it's clear that there is a connection between drilling - or drilling-related activities - and earthquakes in surrounding areas. Be it geothermal wells in California, or the underground injection of drilling wastewater in central Arkansas, these practices result in earthquakes in fault-ridden areas.
Two obvious questions arise from these experiences. First of all, how predictable are drilling-related earthquakes? Can we predict the size, frequency, location of upcoming quakes? It seems that what we presently call earthquake prediction is hypothesis based on patterns of previous earthquakes. Can we improve our ability to predict and choose places to drill that are safer? Secondly, there is the matter of method. In the case of injecting drilling wastewater underground, can we come up with an alternative to injection wells? Is there a pattern to injection wells and geothermal drilling that DON"T generate eartbquake activity?
It would seem that the elimination of earthquake risk is not feasible with the present technology; in which case, we would need to resort to formulas for location and method that constitute acceptable risks for the communities located nearby. The formulas themselves would have to have federal sanction in order to ensure that one state does not impinge on the safety of another state with inferior drilling regulation. Another aspect would be that the drilling companies, possessed of a federally-sanctioned formula for drilling, might be more restricted in some regards, but actually reduced in liability.
Two obvious questions arise from these experiences. First of all, how predictable are drilling-related earthquakes? Can we predict the size, frequency, location of upcoming quakes? It seems that what we presently call earthquake prediction is hypothesis based on patterns of previous earthquakes. Can we improve our ability to predict and choose places to drill that are safer? Secondly, there is the matter of method. In the case of injecting drilling wastewater underground, can we come up with an alternative to injection wells? Is there a pattern to injection wells and geothermal drilling that DON"T generate eartbquake activity?
It would seem that the elimination of earthquake risk is not feasible with the present technology; in which case, we would need to resort to formulas for location and method that constitute acceptable risks for the communities located nearby. The formulas themselves would have to have federal sanction in order to ensure that one state does not impinge on the safety of another state with inferior drilling regulation. Another aspect would be that the drilling companies, possessed of a federally-sanctioned formula for drilling, might be more restricted in some regards, but actually reduced in liability.
Digging Dangers
After reading the two articles about drilling in California and Arkansas. There are several concerns that I have that was addressed in these articles. Both articles explained that the disposal of the "salt water" waste was that returned to the Earth's surface. My concern with this process would be the effect on groundwater for people, animals and plants. Another process that was explained in both articles was that the drilling was fracturing rock which would make me think that if you are fracturing rock you are also causing seismic activity through the fracturing. Seismic activity is caused from fracturing of rock whether that fracturing comes from man or nature. This leads me to believe that any disruption in the Earth's surface would cause seismic activity.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Day 2: Share Your Task
Share the task you've created to use with your students by commenting on this blog post.
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