Environmental Management - 0680 CIE

Fracking

Overview

Deep below the surface, locked inside dense shale rock, lie huge reserves of natural gas and oil that ordinary drilling cannot reach. Fracking is the controversial technique that cracks open this rock to release the fuel. It has transformed the energy supply of some countries, yet it is banned in others. Few topics in environmental management divide opinion so sharply, pitting energy security and jobs against fears for water, air and the ground itself.

In this short but important lesson you will learn exactly what fracking is and how it works, from drilling the borehole to pumping in the fracturing fluid of water, sand and chemicals. You will then weigh the benefits and limitations on both sides of the argument, the balanced judgement the exam expects when a topic is this contested.

Objectives

1.6.1 Define fracking as the extraction of natural gas or petroleum from shale rock by hydraulic fracturing.
1.6.2 Discuss the benefits and limitations of fracking.

Lesson Note

As conventional oil and gas reserves run low, countries are tempted by the vast amounts of fuel trapped in shale rock. Fracking can unlock this fuel and reduce reliance on imported energy, but it also raises serious environmental and health concerns. Deciding whether to allow it is one of the clearest examples of the trade-off at the heart of environmental management: weighing the benefit of a resource against the cost of getting it.

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Lesson Evaluation

Congratulations on completing the lesson on Fracking. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.

You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.

Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.

Fracking is used to extract gas and oil from which type of rock? A. Granite B. Marble C. Shale D. Basalt Answer: C
In the fracking fluid, the purpose of the sand is to: A. Crack open the rock B. Hold the cracks open C. Dissolve the gas D. Cool the drill Answer: B
Which of the following is an argument in favour of fracking? A. It can trigger earth tremors B. It uses large amounts of water C. It reduces the need to import gas D. It releases toxic chemicals Answer: C
Which of these is an environmental concern about fracking? A. It creates local jobs B. Toxic chemicals could pollute the water table C. Gas pollutes less than coal D. It improves energy security Answer: B
The material used to keep cracks in the shale open is called the: A. Overburden B. Aquifer C. Proppant D. Leachate Answer: C