Fracking: How it works

The video tutorial explains the process of drilling deep into the Earth's crust to reach the water table, sealing the well with cement, and then drilling horizontally into shale formations. It details the use of perforation guns to create fissures in the rock and the injection of fracking fluid, a mixture of water, sand, and chemicals, to widen these fissures. Natural gas flows from the fissures into the well and up to the surface. The tutorial also highlights environmental concerns, such as the potential contamination of waterways and aquifers by fracking fluid and other chemicals, and the non-biodegradable nature of some substances left underground.

What is the purpose of pouring cement during the drilling process?

• To strengthen the drill

• To seal the well from groundwater

• To mark the depth reached

• To cool down the drill

What is the main purpose of injecting fracking fluid into the rock?

• To clean the well

• To widen the fissures

• To dissolve the rock

• To cool the equipment

Which of the following is NOT a component of fracking fluid?

• Natural gas

• Water

• Chemically treated sand

• Toxic chemicals

What are some of the substances that can contaminate waterways due to fracking?

• Carbon dioxide and sulfur

• Benzene and methane

• Helium and argon

• Oxygen and nitrogen

Why is the remaining fracking fluid underground a concern?

• It is not biodegradable

• It is expensive to remove

• It solidifies over time

• It evaporates quickly